Real Sociedad vs. Espanyol Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 9 February 2025 - bettingexpert

This Sunday, Real Sociedad welcomes Espanyol to the Reale Arena for what promises to be a pivotal La Liga clash. With both teams needing points for different reasons – Sociedad aiming to climb into the top half and Espanyol fighting relegation – the stakes are high.

Real Sociedad, currently 11th in the table with 28 points, have shown inconsistent form lately, exemplified by their WLWLL record. Espanyol, positioned 17th with 23 points, recently surprised everyone by beating Real Madrid 1-0.

Historically, Sociedad tends to dominate Espanyol at home. Given Real Sociedad’s strong home record and Espanyol’s struggles away, the recommended bet is a win for the home side. Referee Javier Alberola will oversee proceedings, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game.

Prepare for an engaging match with the added narratives from both teams’ recent performances and their league standing pressures.

Real Sociedad vs Espanyol Prediction & Betting Tip

Real Sociedad vs Espanyol Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Real Sociedad to win	1.62

• Real Sociedad has a robust home record and is also the bookmaker’s favorite for a reason.
• Espanyol has been inconsistent away from home, and their defensive setup may not be enough against Sociedad’s attack, especially since Real Sociedad has scored most of their goals in the time interval 76-90 this season.
• Historically, Real Sociedad tends to perform better in this matchup, giving them an added psychological edge.

Real Sociedad’s strong home form and statistical advantage make this a solid betting choice for the weekend clash.

Real Sociedad vs Espanyol Odds

Real Sociedad vs Espanyol Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Real Sociedad	1.56
Draw	3.85
Espanyol	6.37

The betting odds heavily favor Real Sociedad in this encounter, reflecting their strong home form and superior standing in the table. Real Sociedad’s odds of 1.56 indicate a high expectation of victory, in line with their status as the bookmaker’s favorite. Espanyol, with odds of 6.37, are seen as outsiders in this clash, especially considering their inconsistency away from home and current lower position in La Liga. A draw, priced at 3.85, suggests a less likely outcome, mirroring the superior recent performance and home advantage of Real Sociedad.

Real Sociedad Team Analysis

Real Sociedad Recent Performance

Real Sociedad has had a mixed bag of results recently, as shown by their form chart of WLWLL. They registered a notable 2-0 victory over Osasuna on 6th February.

Home team	Away team	Result
Real Sociedad	Osasuna	2-0 (Win)
Osasuna	Real Sociedad	2-1 (Loss)
Real Sociedad	PAOK Thessaloniki	2-0 (Win)
Real Sociedad	Getafe	0-3 (Loss)
Lazio	Real Sociedad	3-1 (Loss)
Recent Form: WLWLL

The team has managed 2 clean sheets in their last 5 matches, showcasing some defensive solidity. However, inconsistency has plagued them, demonstrated by conceding 3 goals each against Getafe and Lazio. With an average of 1.20 goals scored per game in the last 5 outings, Real Sociedad will aim for a more clinical display in attack against Espanyol.

In summary, Real Sociedad’s recent form may be patchy, but they have shown glimpses of their potential with solid performances.

Real Sociedad Key Players

Real Sociedad’s key players will be crucial to their chances against Espanyol. Mikel Oyarzabal, the top scorer with 4 goals, will lead the attack, looking to add to his tally. Alongside him, Takefusa Kubo, who has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, will aim to showcase his playmaking abilities.
In midfield, Martín Zubimendi is vital for controlling the flow of the game, while Luka Sucic will look to make incisive passes.
Defensively, Igor Zubeldia and Nayef Aguerd will need to be at their best to handle Espanyol’s forward line.
Expected lineup for Real Sociedad:

• Goalkeeper: Alex Remiro
• Defenders: Jon Aramburu, Igor Zubeldia, Nayef Aguerd, Javier López Carballo
• Midfielders: Takefusa Kubo, Martín Zubimendi, Luka Sucic, Sergio Gomez
• Attackers: Mikel Oyarzabal, Brais Méndez

Real Sociedad Suspensions & Injuries

Real Sociedad will be without their key defender, Hamari Traore, due to a severe cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out for the season. Additionally, Álvaro Odriozola is doubtful for the match due to a contusion.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Hamari Traore	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Álvaro Odriozola	Contusion	Doubtful

These absences will likely affect Real Sociedad’s defensive stability, especially against a potentially dangerous Espanyol attack. They will need to rely on Igor Zubeldia and Nayef Aguerd to step up and fill the gaps left in defense.

Real Sociedad Tactics and Formation

Real Sociedad Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Mikel Oyarzabal
• Midfield Trio: Takefusa Kubo, Martín Zubimendi, Luka Sucic
• Defensive Setup: Igor Zubeldia and Nayef Aguerd at centre-back

Real Sociedad’s approach under Imanol Alguacil emphasizes balanced play with a slight attacking edge. The 4-3-3 formation allows them to stretch the pitch and leverage the technical prowess of Kubo and Sucic in midfield. Oyarzabal leads the attack, supported by Brais Méndez and Sergio Gomez on the wings. Defensively, the absence of Hamari Traore will be felt, so the squad will rely heavily on Zubeldia and Aguerd to maintain stability at the back.

Espanyol Team Analysis

Espanyol Recent Performance

Espanyol have been showing moderate form recently, securing 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in their last 5 matches:

Home team	Away team	Result
Espanyol	Real Madrid	1-0 (Win)
Sevilla	Espanyol	1-1 (Draw)
Espanyol	Real Valladolid	2-1 (Win)
Espanyol	Leganés	1-1 (Draw)
Las Palmas	Espanyol	1-0 (Loss)

Despite mixed results, Espanyol have managed to maintain a consistent goal-scoring record, averaging 1.00 goal per match in their last 5 games.
However, defensive consistency remains a concern, having only managed 1 clean sheet during this period. With Javier Puado leading the attack with 7 goals this season, he’ll be essential in aiding Espanyol’s push up the table.

Espanyol Key Players

Expected lineup for Espanyol:

• Goalkeeper: Joan García
• Defenders: Omar El Hilali, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Brian Oliván
• Midfielders: Jofre Carreras, Álvaro Tejero Sacristán, Alex Kral, Javi Puado
• Attackers: Roberto Fernández Jaén, Pol Lozano

Javi Puado will be a key player for Espanyol, leading their attack with 7 goals this season. His forward partnerships with Roberto Fernández Jaén and Pol Lozano will be crucial. The midfield battle with Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi will be one to watch, as it could dictate the flow of the game. Defensive stalwart Marash Kumbulla will need to be at his best to keep Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal in check.

Espanyol Suspensions & Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
José Gragera	Broken finger	Unknown

Player	Suspension	Expected return
Carlos Romero	Yellow cards	1 match left

Espanyol’s task gets tougher with José Gragera sidelined due to a broken finger with no definite return date. This leaves a gap in their midfield depth, which could affect their ability to control the game’s tempo.

Adding to their woes, defender Carlos Romero will be suspended for this match due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Without him, their defense will miss a crucial element, making it a challenge to contain Real Sociedad’s attacking threats.

Espanyol Tactics and Formation

Espanyol’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Roberto Fernández Jaén
• Midfield Anchors: Álvaro Tejero Sacristán, Alex Kral, Javi Puado
• Defensive Setup: Brian Oliván and Marash Kumbulla fortifying the backline
• Key Strategy: Focus on a solid midfield to disrupt Real Sociedad’s flow

With Carlos Romero suspended, Espanyol might lean on Brian Oliván at left-back while shifting Omar El Hilali to right-back. The midfield dynamic will be critical, featuring Álvaro Tejero Sacristán combating Real Sociedad’s attacks, while Javi Puado pushes forward. Espanyol’s approach will likely include disciplined defense while looking for quick transitions to catch Real Sociedad off guard, aiming to exploit their opponent’s vulnerability in the 31-45 minute interval.

Real Sociedad vs Espanyol Head-to-Head Statistics

The previous encounters between Real Sociedad and Espanyol have been tightly contested matches. Below is a summary of their last five meetings:

Home	Away	Result
Espanyol	Real Sociedad	0-1
Espanyol	Real Sociedad	2-3
Real Sociedad	Espanyol	2-1
Real Sociedad	Espanyol	1-0
Espanyol	Real Sociedad	1-0

Real Sociedad has had the upper hand, winning four out of the five most recent encounters against Espanyol. This historical edge makes them the favourites for the upcoming match.

Odds accurate as of 02.07.2025 17:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.