The Matchday 23 clash in La Liga between Real Sociedad and Espanyol will take place on February 9 at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian. Real Sociedad vs. Espanyol: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Real Sociedad
For the first time this season, the San Sebastian side has lost three consecutive matches in La Liga. They were defeated at home by Getafe (0-3) and lost narrowly away to Valencia (0-1) and Osasuna (1-2). The Basque team hasn’t experienced such a losing streak in the league since December 2021. As a result, Imanol Alguacil's side has dropped to 11th place, four points behind the European competition zone. It’s worth noting the team's weak attacking play, with only 18 goals scored, which is fewer than only Valladolid and Getafe in La Liga.
- At least one team has failed to score in 12 of Real Sociedad's last 13 La Liga matches.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 11 of the Basque team's last 14 league matches.
- The club has failed to score in the first half in six consecutive La Liga matches.
Predicted lineup for Real Sociedad (4-1-4-1)
Alejandro Remiro – Nayef Aguerd, Igor Zubeldia, Javi Lopez, Jon Aramburu – Martin Zubimendi – Takefusa Kubo, Jon Ander Olasagasti, Luka Sucic, Ander Barrenetxea – Mikel Oyarzabal.
Espanyol
On the other hand, the Catalans are unbeaten in four consecutive league matches. They played three of these matches at home, drawing with Leganes (1-1), and defeating Valladolid (2-1) and Real (1-0). Another away match ended in a draw against Sevilla (1-1). This is the longest unbeaten run for the club in La Liga this season. Espanyol has moved out of the relegation zone and is now two points clear.
Defender Pablo Ramon and midfielder Jose Gragera will miss the game due to injuries. Defender Carlos Romero will miss the match due to yellow card accumulation.
- The number "1" appeared in the final score of Espanyol's last six La Liga matches.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 7 of the club's last 8 league matches.
- The Catalans are unbeaten in the first half in seven consecutive La Liga matches (3 wins and 4 draws).
Predicted lineup for Espanyol (4-4-2)
Joan Garcia – Omar El Hilali, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero, Marash Kumbulla – Pol Lozano, Jofre Carreras, Alex Kral, Urko Gonzalez – Javi Puado, Roberto Fernandez Jaen.
Match Prediction: Real Sociedad vs. Espanyol
In the upcoming match, I favor the hosts. The crisis for the San Sebastian side has dragged on, and it's time to return to the fight for European spots, especially since the gap from the top six clubs in La Liga isn't that large. The opponent is suitable for finally securing three points. The Catalans have not won away in 11 La Liga matches (3 draws and 8 losses). Furthermore, Espanyol has failed to score more than one goal in ten consecutive away games.
Real Sociedad boasts one of the best defenses in the league. With solid defensive play, the club should manage against the Catalans, who average no more than one goal per match in this La Liga season. It's worth noting that before the setback against Getafe, the Basques had not conceded in four consecutive home matches, winning three and drawing one. Additionally, San Sebastian has won 6 of the last 7 head-to-head league encounters, with four consecutive home wins in these matchups.
My prediction – Real Sociedad to Win
