- Real Sociedad form: Real Sociedad have lost their last 5 games in all competitions, following defeats to Chelsea and Real Betis.
- Espanyol form: RCD Espanyol have drawn 2 and lost 2 of their last 5 matches in all competitions, after beating Levante and losing to Real Madrid in LaLiga.
- LaLiga positions: La Real are 16th on 0 points after 1 game in LaLiga 2026-2027, Espanyol are 3rd on 3 after 2.
Styles clash at Reale Arena
Clash of styles
This is a clash of styles between a Real Sociedad side that want to get at their opponents and create chaos by winning the ball back quickly and RCD Espanyol who prefer to keep things tight, stay compact and dominate the duels.
La Real's recent slump
Pellegrino Matarazzo's side have more about them than their opponents in terms of quality and potential but that has been less apparent in recent weeks as La Real have lost their way in brutal fashion.
After consecutive defeats to Chelsea and Real Betis, La Real are in danger of losing a match in all competitions when they host the Pericos in the Basque Country.
Espanyol's form
It has been a mixed bag of results for Espanyol so far, with Manolo Gonzalez's men still seeking a second win after beating Levante at home and losing to Real Madrid at the RCDE Stadium.
Tight game looks likely
But, Espanyol can be counted on to be compact and well-organised as Gonzalez has kept his side tight in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Javi Hernandez has been the playmaker for Pericos, delivering 2 assists in 2 games in the new season with some quality final balls, while Roberto Fernandez is their main goal threat with 2 goals in 2 matches.
Our recommendation for Saturday's game is to take 'Both teams to score – Yes' at 1.73, a bet that should cover a lively game rather than a cagey one.
- The last meeting finished 1-1 at the RCDE, and not a great deal has changed between these two sides since then.
- La Real are the likelier winners at home, but Espanyol's organisation and set-piece threat could keep it close and so a goal fest looks unlikely.
