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Three points will be at stake when Real Sociedad host Lyon in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League at Reale Arena on Thursday.
The hosts are eyeing a return to winning ways after their three-game winning streak was snapped last weekend.
Lyon, meanwhile, are hoping to improve their fortunes on the road.
Read our Real Sociedad vs Lyon prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Real Sociedad vs Lyon key stats
- Five of Real Sociedad's last six matches featured goals at both ends.
- At least three goals were scored in six of Lyon's last eight games.
- Real Sociedad won the last two encounters between these sides.
Real Sociedad vs Lyon preview: Visitors up against it
Real Sociedad vs Lyon — Tale of the Tape
| Real Sociedad | vs | Lyon |
|---|---|---|
| 14th | Position | 12th |
| 4 | Points | 6 |
| 8 | Goals For | 5 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 6 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 25th | Home / Away Rank | 20th |
*These figures were accurate at the time of publishing.
Real Sociedad were beaten 2-1 by neighbours Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby over the weekend, ending their run of three consecutive wins.
The La Liga outfit will now turn their attention to the Europa League, where they have earned four points from a possible nine and are 14th in the league phase. Their fortunes in this competition have improved over time, as they kicked off their campaign with a defeat, followed by a draw, and then an impressive 6-0 victory over Lillestrom.
Pellegrino Matarazzo will be unable to call upon the services of Arsen Zakharyan and long-term absentee Alvaro Odriozola, as both players are sidelined with injuries.
Either Mikel Oyarzabal or strike partner Luka Sucic is expected to drop to the bench in favour of Orri Oskarsson. Sergio Gomez is a strong candidate to start at right-back; the 24-year-old scored a brace in Sociedad's last Europa League outing.
On the other hand, Lyon defeated Angers by two unanswered goals over the weekend. Prior to that victory, they had lost back-to-back games, including a humiliating 3-0 defeat at Hoffenheim in their last Europa League outing.
The Ligue 1 outfit have six points from three matches in this competition and are 12th in the league phase. However, they have struggled on the road in recent weeks, having lost their last three away matches.
Head coach Paulo Fonseca will have to do without the injured Lois Openda (leg), Pavel Sulc (meniscus), Tyler Morton (groin), and Mohamed Ouedraogo (ACL).
This will be the first clash between these sides since August 2013. Both teams have met four times in UEFA competitions in the last 22 years, and they have two wins apiece. However, Real Sociedad won the last two H2Hs.
Real Sociedad vs Lyon form guide & betting tips
| Real Sociedad | vs | Lyon |
|---|---|---|
L
D
W
|
Europa League Form |
W
W
L
|
| 8 | Goals For | 5 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 6 |
D
W
W
W
L
|
Form (All Comps) |
W
W
L
L
W
|
Whispers Predicts: Real Sociedad 2-1 Lyon
Priced at 9/10 (1.90), Real Sociedad are considered favourites by the bookmakers.
Lyon have lost their last three away games, as well as the last two H2Hs. On that note, we are confident that a Real Sociedad side that won three of their last four matches will claim all the spoils here.
Both teams were on the scoresheet in five of the hosts' last six outings and this can be backed at 3/5 (1.60).
We also fancy over 2.5 total goals at 4/7 (1.57), as was the case in five of Real Sociedad's last six matches and in six of Lyon's last eight games. Anyone looking to wager on these statistical trends can sign up using a William Hill bonus code to unlock the latest welcome offer.
> Over 2.5 total goals at 4/7 (1.57) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 3/5 (1.60) | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result: Real Sociedad at 9/10 (1.90) | Likelihood: Probable
> Real Sociedad & BTTS – Yes at 11/5 (3.20) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct Score: 2-1 at 15/2 (8.50) | Likelihood: Outsider