Espanyol vs Real Sociedad Match Preview & Prediction

Espanyol vs Real Sociedad predictions, H2H and match preview for this Sunday’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups as La Real hope to build on a fine win last weekend.

Espanyol vs Real Sociedad Preview

This is on paper likely to be one of the most evenly contested games this weekend in La Liga. Espanyol beat Real Sociedad at the RCDE Stadium on the final day of last season to pip the Basques to Europa League qualification. However it is La Real who have done much the better business since then by holding onto their top players whilst recruiting some very exciting young talent.

That day in May must already seem like an eternity ago for Espanyol fans who have been left frustrated by the departures of their coach Rubi and key men Mario Hermoso and Borja Iglesias. They have at least had some European success to cheer with the club’s successful progress in Europa League qualifying but they could only draw their opening group match, against Ferencvaros of Hungary on Thursday and have lost their opening two home league games.

Not qualifying for Europe might just prove a blessing in disguise for this exciting young Real Sociedad side. They gave their supporters plenty to cheer last weekend as they saw off table toppers Atletico Madrid 2-0 at the new-look Anoeta in front of a record crowd at the venue. Another victory here would really propel them up towards the top of the early standings.

In Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Oyarzabal they have two of the brightest young attacking talents in the league but both players are already performing at a very high level. They should give this Espanyol defence a real examination here and the hosts will be without their suspended centre-back Naldo.

Espanyol vs Real Sociedad Predictions

Score Prediction: 2-1 Real Sociedad

Overall when you compare the two likely elevens here, it’s difficult to come to any conclusion other than that Real Sociedad are the stronger team. Even with Asier Illarramendi out injured, Sociedad have a strong midfield with Igor Zubeldia and Mikel Merino providing a decent base and they certainly have more firepower than an Espanyol side that is missing Facundo Ferreyra to injury. La Real look like they could leave Barcelona with all the points.

Espanyol vs Real Sociedad H2H

• Last 6 meetings: 2 Espanyol Wins, 2 Real Sociedad Wins, 2 Draws.
• The last 6 meetings at the RCDE Stadium have produced 3 wins each.
• Espanyol have won their 2 most recent home games against Sociedad.
• Both teams have scored in 5 of the last 6 meetings.

Next up in La Liga: Valencia vs Leganes predictions

Predicted Line Ups

Espanyol Team:

Diego Lopez – Javi Lopez, Calero, Lluis Lopez, Pedrosa – Melendo, Darder, Roca, Vargas – Calleri, Wu (4-4-2)

Real Sociedad Team:

Moya – Monreal, Llorente, Elustondo, Zaldua – Zubeldia, Merino – Oyarzabal, Odegaard, Portu – Isak (4-2-3-1)