The Matchday 23 clash in La Liga between Real Sociedad and Espanyol will take place on February 9 at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastián. Real Sociedad vs. Espanyol: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Real Sociedad
For the first time this season, the San Sebastián side has lost three consecutive matches in La Liga. At home, the team was defeated by Getafe (0-3), and away, they lost by a single goal to Valencia (0-1) and Osasuna (1-2). The Basques have not experienced such a losing streak in the league since December 2021. As a result, Imanol Alguacil's team has dropped to 11th place and is now four points behind the European competition zone. The team's weak attacking play cannot be overlooked – only 18 goals scored, with only Valladolid and Getafe scoring fewer 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 Basques' last 14 league games.
- The club has failed to score in the first 45 minutes 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
The Catalans are unbeaten in four consecutive league matches. They played three games at home, drawing with Leganes (1-1) and defeating Valladolid (2-1) and Real Madrid (1-0). Another away match ended in a draw against Sevilla (1-1). The club is experiencing its longest unbeaten run 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 match due to injuries. Defender Carlos Romero will also be absent due to a yellow card suspension.
- The number "1" has appeared in the final scoreline in Espanyol's last six La Liga matches.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 7 of the club's last 8 league games.
- The Catalans have not lost in the first half in seven consecutive La Liga matches (3 wins, 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.
Referee
Javier Alberola Rojas (Spain)
Matches – 11 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 33;
Average yellow cards per match – 3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 27%.
Match Prediction: Real Sociedad vs. Espanyol
In the upcoming match, I favor the hosts. The crisis for the San Sebastián side has been prolonged, and it's time to return to the fight for European spots, especially since the gap from the top six La Liga clubs is not that large. The opponent is suitable for finally securing three points. The Catalans have not won away in 11 La Liga matches (3 draws, 8 losses). Moreover, Espanyol has failed to score more than one goal in ten consecutive away games.
Real Sociedad boasts one of the best defensive lines in the league. Thanks to solid defensive play, the club will manage to handle the Catalans, who average no more than one goal per match in the current La Liga season. Notably, before the setback against Getafe, the Basques had not conceded in four consecutive home matches, achieving three wins and one draw in that span. Additionally, San Sebastián has won 6 of the last 7 league meetings, with four consecutive home wins in head-to-head La Liga encounters.
My prediction – Real Sociedad to win
