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Real Sociedad vs Espanyol: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | Feb 9, 2025

Real Sociedad will aim to end their poor run of form when they host Espanyol in La Liga on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 5:30pm UK time. The hosts are 11th in the table, four points behind sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano, while Espanyol are 17th, just two points above the relegation zone.

Interesting Fact: Espanyol are unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions, while Real Sociedad have lost their last three La Liga games.

Team Analysis

Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad have struggled for consistency this season, with eight wins, four draws, and 10 defeats from 22 matches. Imanol Alguacil’s side are in 11th place and will be eager to return to winning ways after three consecutive league defeats.

Current Form:

  • Last 5 matches: 1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses.
  • Last match: 2-1 loss to Osasuna in La Liga.

Key Players:

  • Takefusa Kubo: The winger has been Real Sociedad’s standout performer, with four goals and three assists this season.
  • Mikel Oyarzabal: The forward’s creativity and finishing ability are crucial to Real Sociedad’s attack.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Hamari Traoré (out, long-term injury).
  • Álvaro Odriozola (out, rib injury).

Home Form:
Real Sociedad have been inconsistent at home, with four wins, two draws, and five losses in 11 La Liga matches at Reale Arena this season.

Espanyol

Espanyol are in strong form, having gone four matches without defeat (two wins, two draws). Luis García’s side are 17th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone, and will be eager to continue their push for safety.

Current Form:

  • Last 5 matches: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss.
  • Last match: 1-0 win over Real Madrid in La Liga.

Key Players:

  • Javi Puado: The forward is Espanyol’s top scorer with seven goals this season.
  • Carlos Romero: The defender scored the winner against Real Madrid and will be crucial at the back.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Brian Oliván (doubtful, thigh injury).
  • José Gragera (out, muscular injury).

Away Form:
Espanyol have been poor on the road, with no wins, two draws, and eight losses in 10 away matches this season.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters

The last meeting between these two sides was in August 2024, when Real Sociedad secured a 1-0 victory at RCDE Stadium. Historically, Real Sociedad have been dominant in this fixture, winning the last four encounters.

Key Stats:

  • Real Sociedad have won their last four matches against Espanyol.
  • Espanyol are winless in their last 11 away La Liga matches.

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Real Sociedad 2-1 Espanyol

Real Sociedad’s home advantage and attacking quality make them slight favourites for this clash. However, Espanyol’s resilience and recent form suggest they could pose a threat. Expect a closely contested match, but Real Sociedad’s quality should see them edge it.

Betting Tips

  • Both Teams to Score: Yes
    Both teams have shown attacking intent in recent matches.
  • Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
    This fixture has a history of producing high-scoring games.
  • Anytime Goalscorer: Takefusa Kubo
    The in-form winger is likely to find the net.

Hot Stat

Espanyol are winless in their last 11 away La Liga matches, highlighting their struggles on the road.

Possible Lineups

Real Sociedad (4-3-3):
Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Muñoz; Kubo, Méndez, Zubimendi, Marín, S. Gómez; Oyarzabal.

Espanyol (4-2-3-1):
J. García; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Lozano, González; Carreras, Kral, Puado; Fernández.

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