Newly promoted Espanyol play their first home game of the season on Saturday. Our Espanyol vs Real Sociedad prediction looks at whether it’ll be a happy return to the RCDE Stadium for the Segunda Division play-off winners.
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Espanyol vs Real Sociedad prediction: Basques to triumph with Oyarzabal on target
Key stats
- Our Espanyol vs Real Sociedad betting tips take into account that the home team were the only side to fail to score on La Liga matchday one.
- Real Sociedad have won four of their last seven away matches in La Liga.
- They lost just 21% of their away matches in all competitions last season.
Correct score prediction: Espanyol 0-2 Real Sociedad
With another week of training complete, Real Sociedad’s Euro 2024 contingent should be sharper than on matchday one and they should have too much for Espanyol. The hosts look short on quality and are certainly weaker than when they were relegated in 2023.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Visitors the favourites to triumph
- HOME: 27/10 (3.70) – 27.0%
- DRAW: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
- AWAY: 23/20 (2.15) – 46.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
La Real are the favourites according to the Espanyol vs Real Sociedad odds with an implied probability of 46.5% that they win the game.
They were on the wrong end of a shock on the opening weekend though, with a goal from Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi not enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat at home to Rayo Vallecano.
As for Espanyol, they started with a 1-0 defeat against fellow new boys Real Valladolid.
For more picks, today’s free football tips take a look at some of the best options from the action across Europe and beyond.
Most recent H2Hs: La Real the dominant force
Our Espanyol vs Real Sociedad prediction points towards a sixth win in seven meetings for the side from the Basque Country. They’ve won on three of their last six trips to the RCDE Stadium.
Spain Primera Liga 13/02/23
Espanyol
Real Sociedad
Spain Primera Liga 18/09/22
Real Sociedad
Espanyol
Spain Primera Liga 04/04/22
Real Sociedad
Espanyol
Spain Primera Liga 28/11/21
Espanyol
Real Sociedad
Spain Primera Liga 02/07/20
Real Sociedad
Espanyol
Espanyol preview: Hosts near full strength
Midfielder Edu Exposito is the only expected injury absentee for Espanyol. They may switch to a back four for this game.
Predicted Lineup: Joan Garcia (GK), Romero, Cabrera, Calero, El Hilali, Milla, Gragera, Kral, Jofre, Veliz & Puado
Spain Primera Liga 31/08/24 W Rayo Vallecano 1 Espanyol 2 Spain Primera Liga 28/08/24 D Atletico Madrid 0 Espanyol 0 Spain Primera Liga 24/08/24 L Real Sociedad 1 Espanyol 0 Spain Primera Liga 19/08/24 L Valladolid 1 Espanyol 0 Club Friendly List 10/08/24 L Heidenheim 2 Espanyol 1
Real Sociedad preview: Zubimendi to return
Midfielder Zubimendi should be ready to start after only featuring off the bench last weekend. Arsen Zakharyan is still missing through injury.
Predicted Lineup: Remiro (GK), Lopez, Pacheco, Zubeldia, Traore, Turrientes, Zubimendi, Brais Mendez, Becker, Oyarzabal & Kubo
Spain Primera Liga 01/09/24 D Getafe 0 Real Sociedad 0 Spain Primera Liga 28/08/24 L CD Alaves 2 Real Sociedad 1 Spain Primera Liga 24/08/24 W Espanyol 0 Real Sociedad 1 Spain Primera Liga 18/08/24 L Rayo Vallecano 2 Real Sociedad 1 Elite Club Friendlies 09/08/24 D Union Berlin 1 Real Sociedad 1
Player to watch – Mikel Oyarzabal
Euro 2024 final match winner Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to lead the line for Real Sociedad. Injury problems have prevented him from producing his best football in recent years, but he registered nine goals and three assists in La Liga last term.
Can Oyarzabal get back to his best?
At his best, Oyarzabal was a mobile forward, who could operate out wide or centrally. His best campaign was perhaps the 2019/20 season when he scored 10 and assisted 11 in La Liga, the only time he has surpassed 20 goal contributions in the Spanish top flight.
