Football
Real Sociedad vs Espanyol Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: February 9, 2025 Kickoff Time: 17:30 (UK Time) Venue: Reale Arena SportsBoom previews the keenly awaited La Liga match between Real Sociedad and Espanyol at the Reale Arena on Sunday, 9 February 2025. The excitement surrounding the upcoming match is building, and with it, the hunt for the most valuable betting opportunities. Get the inside track with our expert match preview. Real Sociedad will be aiming to end a three-match losing streak in La Liga when Espanyol make the trip to the Basque country. After inflicting a surprise 1-0 defeat to defending-champions Real Madrid, Espanyol are seeking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches under an impressive period under manager Manolo Gonzalez.
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Mikel Oyarzabal//Getty Images
Real Sociedad have gotten the better of Espanyol in previous seasons, winning four times in the last five games, with the bookies making the home team favourites. Although, if we dive deeper, we should notice that there is more to this match, than there seems on the surface. If you’re looking to place your bets on this thrilling La Liga showdown, make sure to explore our best football betting sites for the top odds and exclusive offers.
PRE-GAME ODDS AND WIN PROBABILITY
REAL SOCIEDAD ARE SHORT-PRICED FAVORITES
HOME: 6/10 (1.60) – 62,5%
DRAW: 29/10 (3.90) – 25,6%
AWAY: 5/1 (6.00) – 16,7%
*Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Last Five Meetings (La Liga)
24/08/24: Espanyol 0-1 Real Sociedad
13/02/23: Espanyol 2-3 Real Sociedad
18/09/22: Real Sociedad 2-1 Espanyol
04/04/22: Real Sociedad 1-0 Espanyol
28/11/21: Espanyol 1-0 Real Sociedad
REAL SOCIEDAD: CURRENT FORM – LWLLL
Real Sociedad approach this encounter desperate to snap a three-match losing streak in La Liga, suffering defeats to Valencia (1-0), Getafe (0-3), and Osasuna (2-1). Reaching the UEFA Europa League knockout phase, setting up home and away games with Danish champions Midtjylland has taken a toll on the White and Blues’ La Liga commitments.
However, in the Basque country it’s been difficult to score against Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro, keeping four clean sheets in the past five La Liga matches at the Reale Arena, including an incredible 1-0 victory vs Barcelona (most goals in La Liga – 60).
Icelandic striker Orri Oskarsson came off the bench to score in the 2-1 defeat to Osasuna, three days after scoring a brace in the UEFA Europa League against PAOK Thessaloniki.
Manager Imanol Alguacil will surely be feeling the pressure as Real Sociedad’s season is currently at stake and his tenure at ‘The Royals” could come to an end, if he doesn’t successfully traverse through the next rough patch.
The next two La Liga matches following this encounter against Real Betis (A) and Leganes (H) provide the crucial opportunities to steer Real Sociedad back onto the correct path.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Orri Steinn Oskarsson: The 20-year-old striker is one of Real Sociedad’s important assets since joining earlier this season, quickly finding his feet and becoming the focal point of attack surrounded by many quality players. Expect Oskarsson to find the back of the net more consistently during the second half of the season.
- Mikel Oyarzabal: The Spain midfielder is key to Luis de la Fuente’s future plans in the national team after continually displaying his ability to create goal-scoring opportunities in the white and blue of Real Sociedad. Despite having just four goals and two assists this campaign, Oyarzabal is one of the most influential forwards in La Liga.
- Martin Zubimendi: Another one of Luis de la Fuente’s favourites for Spain, Zubimendi is a midfielder capable of dictating the tempo of a match from deeper-lying midfield areas. According to reports, the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal are waiting in the wings to take the 26-year-old on a Premier League adventure at the end of this season.
REAL SOCIEDAD TEAM NEWS
Mali international defender Hamari Traore remains a long-term absentee, recovering from an ACL knee injury. Defensive midfielder Urko Gonzalez de Zarate joined Espanyol on a six-month loan deal, with striker Umar Sadiq joining Valencia. Jon Magunazelaia is also set for a short stint at La Liga 2 outfit Cordoba CF in attempts to gain more playing time.
ESPANYOL: CURRENT FORM – WDWDL
Espanyol shocked La Liga fans and left football punters distraught after their 1-0 victory over defending champions Real Madrid put every possible selection out of the running. The Parakeets are fluttering from the relegation zone following an unbeaten January in which manager Manolo Gonzalez was unfortunate to lose the Manager of the Month award to Getafe’s Jose Bordalas.
The visitors come into this clash full of confidence following 1-1 draws with Leganes (H), and Sevilla (A), securing maximum points in wins over Real Valladolid (2-1) and Real Madrid (1-0), both at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.
Away from home, Espanyol are the worst team in La Liga losing eight times, only being able to salvage draws at Atletico Madrid (0-0), and Sevilla (1-1). However, boosted with renewed confidence they will look to leave their tough patch in the past and tally 40 points to guarantee another season in the top-flight.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Alex Kral: The Czech Republic international is the heart of Espanyol’s midfield, utilizing his tough-tackling style to break up play and then beginning swift counter attacks. Kral was immense in shielding his defenders from Real Madrid’s constant waves of attack.
- Alvaro Tejero: The 28-year-old winger has been mostly used off the bench as an impact substitute, making the difference against Real Madrid with his direct style of play along the right-wing, creating 2vs1 overloads. Tejero also assisted the opener in the 2-1 win over Real Valladolid.
- Omar El Hilali: The Moroccan right-back is an integral part of the team, well-disciplined in defence and always willing to make an adventurous run into the opposition half in search of goals. El Hilali assisted two match winning goals in the past three games vs Real Madrid and Real Valladolid.
ESPANYOL TEAM NEWS
Scorer of the winning goal against Real Madrid, left-back Carlos Romero will miss this match due to suspension, accumulating his fifth yellow card of the campaign against the champions. Meanwhile, midfielder Jose Gragera (foot injury), and defender Pablo Ramon (ACL knee injury) remain out of action until further notice.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Real Sociedad: 4-1-4-1
Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Lopez; Zubimendi; Kubo, Sucic, Olasagasti, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal.
Espanyol: 4-2-3-1
Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cebrera, Olivan; Gonzalez, Lozano; Carreras, Kral, Puado; Fernandez.
SUGGESTED BETS
If you enjoy betting on La Liga, you can place these bets at leading football betting sites.
First Half – Overs/Unders (Total 0.5): With this selection, our only requirement is one goal being scored in the first half of the match. (46/100 with Betway) (45/100 with Stake) (45/100 with 1Win)
Real Sociedad Clean Sheet: No. Real Sociedad come into the clash without a clean sheet in four La Liga matches, this could prove to be a simple and effective bet on current form. (88/100 with Betway) (86/100 with Stake) (87/100 with 1Win)
Real Sociedad Total (Total 1.5): On home soil, Real Sociedad have scored four times in the past five meetings between these rivals. It would make sense to follow the trend. (90/100 with Betway) (90/100 with Stake) (90/100 with 1Win)
VALUE BETS
Espanyol To Win Either Half: Espanyol have exceeded expectation in the last month, this option holds strong appeal for those looking for added value. (220/100 with Betway)(215/100 with Stake) (215/100 with 1Win)
Second Half - Both Teams To Score: Yes. Both teams are desperate for these points, considering attacking second half substitutions to made. This could be a lucrative bet. (370/100 with Betway) (370/100 with Stake) (370/100 with 1Win)
Correct Score – 2-2: If you’re in search of even more value, look no further. Striker Roberto Fernandez will be favourite to get on the scoresheet. Two of the previous meetings have ended 2-1 to Real Sociedad. This time around we expect one more goal from a resurgent Espanyol. (2500/100 with Betway) (2500/100 with Stake) (2500/100 with 1Win)
PREDICTION: DRAW
Espanyol on their bid to escape the dreaded relegation battle, come into this clash full of confidence, unbeaten in four La Liga matches. Meanwhile, Sevilla needs to refocus on La Liga proceedings, having lost three league consecutive games in Spain, while occupied by UEFA Europa League commitments. The visitors have drawn three of their past four games, making a stalemate the most likely outcome.
Bryan is a passionate sports writer with a focus on football and cricket. While he loves top leagues like the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Premier League, he also covers lesser-known leagues, offering previews and tips for sports betting sites.
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