La Liga: Espanyol vs Sociedad…Can You Pick a Winner?

Espanyol vs Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad heads to the RCD Stadium in Barcelona on Sunday, when Imanol Iguacil’s team has the chance to get back on the winning trail against Espanyol.

La Liga: Espanyol vs Real Sociedad brings together two teams with differing ambitions. Back in the top flight Vicente Moreno’s Espanyol will be happy with survival, hope for mid table and dream of an outside chance of Europe. In contrast La Real are frustrated by their own inability to turn fast starts into successful campaigns. They fell away last season after a brilliant opening and the signs are there again.

But it’s certainly not too late to arrest any decline, after all Sociedad, despite four draws in their last seven La Liga games, are still in second place and just a point behind leaders Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Los Periquitos are handily placed in 11^th, and just three points behind Barcelona in seventh.

The pre-match Espanyol vs Real Sociedad betting odds tell us this game could go either way so let’s take a look at the two teams and make a call.

Talking Points

Espanyol a tough nut to crack

Los Periquitos bounced back from a season in the Segunda Division and have settled nicely in the top flight, picking up 17 points from their opening 14 games. And while they pose a potent threat up front, the Espanyol defence can take a lot of credit for their solid start. They have conceded just 14 goals, the same number as league leaders Real Madrid, and only two teams outside the top four have conceded fewer, Villarreal and Real Betis.

In the Barcelona Derby last week, los Periquitos defence held firm and was only breached by a Memphis Depay penalty, which gave the Blaugrana a 1-0 win under new boss Xavi. And the return from injury of Keide Bare means he can rejoin Yangel Herrera in the centre of defence. Up front, Raul De Tomas has been at home in the top flight scoring seven goals in 13 league games and he’ll lead the line again.

Real Sociedad looking to bounce back

David Silva has been in good form for La Liga outfit Real Sociedad — Kevin Volland challenges with David Silva during the Europa League Group B soccer match between Monaco and Real Sociedad

La Real started the season in great form but, to be fair to Iguacil and his players, a series of injuries to key men has slowed their momentum as wins turned to draws. Yes they are still in second place, but with Sevilla and Atletico Madrid breathing down their necks they need to pick up three points in Barcelona. They were knocked off the top of the table last week after a goalless draw with Valencia and, having played a game more than their rivals, they are in danger of dropping another two or three positions.

And in midweek Sociedad lost a 17 match unbeaten run, in all competitions, when they were beaten 2-1 away to Monaco in the Europa League to leave them in third place in Group B and five points behind the Ligue 1 side. Okay, it was a first defeat in almost three months but the result also meant La Real have only won once in their last five outings.

Mikel Oyarzabal, with six goals, is top scorer and he will start up front again, though there is a slight doubt over his strike partner Alexander Isak who will have a late fitness test, having picked up a niggle in the defeat to Monaco. Isak scored in the midweek loss and has three goals in the league and he is starting to fulfil his undoubted potential.

The impressive David Silva will continue to pull the strings in midfield, though La Real will be without right wing back Aritz Elustondo who was red carded against Valencia and former Arsenal man Nacho Monreal remains sidelined.

History

La Real have had much the better of the head to head Espanyol vs Real Sociedad results, winning 21 of the last 47 encounters, while Espanyol have won 13 and there have been 13 draws.

Sociedad have won the last three meetings, two at home and then one in Barcelona as Willian Jose scored a brace and Isak added a third in a 3-1 victory, back in 2019.

Espanyol are unbeaten in five matches at home and with Sociedad struggling to turn draws into wins Los Periquitos will fancy their chances.

Betting Tip

	Espanyol vs Real Sociedad	1X2 Draw @ 3.16
	November 28, 23:15 (GMT+8)

At a SBOTOP price of 2.23 La Real are slight favourites to win this game while their hosts are a reasonable bet at 2.96. But I can’t pick a winner and I expect Espanyol to preserve their unbeaten home run, while Sociedad collect another draw.

For an alternative bet, 2-3 goals at 1.98 or a 1-1 draw at odds of 5.22 could both hit the target.