- Real Sociedad have lost their last 5 games in all competitions, following defeats to Chelsea and Real Betis
- RCD Espanyol have been in mixed form in the build-up to this clash, with 1 win, 2 draws and 2 defeats from their last 5 matches
- Real Sociedad have won one and drawn two of their last three LaLiga head-to-heads with RCD Espanyol, who are still waiting for a breakthrough
La Real need to turn a corner
Real Sociedad are on a rough patch after losing their last 5 competitive matches and there is nothing to suggest that they will improve this weekend when they play host to RCD Espanyol at the Reale Arena. La Real are 16th in LaLiga 2026/2027 with 0 points on the board from 1 game played while Espanyol sit in third spot with 3 points from 2 contests.
Pellegrino Matarazzo has taken La Real in the direction of a faster, more vertical 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 that has the qualities to be a good match-up with many of the teams in Spain's top-flight, but they need to pull together in order to get some results. They were turned over by Chelsea in a game of high tempo in the San Sebastian, while a lack of quality told when they were defeated at Real Betis a week later.
The form book doesn't make good reading for Espanyol ahead of this clash, but there isn't much between the two teams on the pitch. Manolo Gonzalez has kept the Pericos compact and disciplined in a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, relying on winning duels, set-piece plays and fast transitions to take control of games. Javi Hernandez is the conductor of Espanyol's play, delivering 2 assists in 2 LaLiga 2026/2027 appearances with his precision final ball.
Espanyol can keep it close
This is a clash of styles and Espanyol will not want to be drawn into a game of turnovers and transition play that Real Sociedad enjoy. Roberto Fernandez is Espanyol's main goal threat, having scored 2 goals in the 2 LaLiga matches this term, but La Real can win at home.
There is a slight edge to the hosts at 1.81 with Espanyol 4.1 and the draw 3.65, but neither side is convincing enough. Espanyol have failed to win on either of their previous two away trips to Real Sociedad.
So we are likely to see a tight game and will take 'Both teams to score - Yes' at 1.73, while we will take the hosts to outmaneuver Espanyol in a lively scrap that could end in a 2-1 home victory.
