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An interesting fixture is on the cards as Lillestrom and Real Sociedad battle for three valuable points in the third round of the UEFA Europa League at Arasen Stadion on Thursday.
The hosts have strung together a four-game unbeaten run and will set their sights on earning their first win of this competition.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, will look to continue their fine form on the road.
Read our Lillestrom vs Real Sociedad prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Lillestrom vs Real Sociedad key stats
- Six of Real Sociedad's last eight matches have gone above the 2.5-goal line.
- Three of Lillestrom's last four games have produced goals at both ends.
- There were at least 11 corners in seven of Real Sociedad's last nine outings.
Lillestrom vs Real Sociedad preview: Can the hosts hold their own?
Lillestrom vs Real Sociedad — Tale of the Tape
| Lillestrom | vs | Real Sociedad |
|---|---|---|
| 22nd | Position | 23rd |
| 1 | Points | 1 |
| 2 | Goals For | 2 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 3 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 24th | Home / Away Rank | 17th |
*These figures were accurate at the time of publishing.
Lillestrom extended their unbeaten run to four games with a 2-0 away win at Sandefjord in the Norwegian Eliteserien over the weekend.
Interestingly, four of the hosts' last five wins across all competitions have come on the road, and they have not been particularly consistent at home, managing only one win in their last four matches at Arasen Stadion.
Hans Odegaard's troops have also had a disappointing start to their Europa League campaign, losing their opening game at home to Portuguese second-tier side Torreense before being held to a 1-1 draw on the road by Sparta Prague last Thursday.
Espen Garnas is sidelined long-term with a knee injury, while Camil Jebara, who is recovering from a groin injury, is doubtful for this clash.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad cruised to a comfortable 5-2 away win against Malaga on Sunday, bringing their unbeaten run across all competitions to three games.
The Basque side have been nothing short of impressive on the road, as they have no losses in their last four away games (W3, D1), scoring three goals on average during that stretch.
Like their opponents, Real Sociedad are without a win in two Europa League outings, having lost their opening game 2-1 at home against Bournemouth before playing out a 1-1 draw at Union Saint-Gilloise last Thursday.
Head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo will be missing several players for this trip, including Alvaro Odriozola (ACL), Luken Beitia (sprained ankle), Jon Aramburu (muscle), and Yangel Herrera (calf).
These teams will meet for the first time on Thursday. Real Sociedad have a perfect two wins from two against Norwegian opponents, while Lillestrom have no wins in two previous clashes with Spanish sides (D1, L1).
Lillestrom vs Real Sociedad form guide & betting tips
| Lillestrom | vs | Real Sociedad |
|---|---|---|
L
D
|
Europa League Form |
L
D
|
| 2 | Goals For | 2 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 3 |
L
W
D
D
W
|
Form (All Comps) |
W
L
W
D
W
|
Whispers Predicts: Lillestrom 1-3 Real Sociedad
Priced at 11/20 (1.55), Real Sociedad are considered favourites by the bookies ahead of this skirmish.
The visitors have won three of their last four away games, and considering Lillestrom's recent struggles at home, we are confident that Real Sociedad will claim all the spoils here.
Six of Lillestrom's last eight matches and seven of Real Sociedad's last nine games have produced at least 11 corners, and this can be backed at 19/20 (1.95).
We also fancy over 2.5 total goals at 13/20 (1.65), as was the case in six of the visiting team's last eight outings.
> Over 2.5 total goals at 13/20 (1.65) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result: Real Sociedad at 11/20 (1.55) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 10.5 total corners at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct Score: 1-3 at 11/1 (12.00) | Likelihood: Outsider