- Union St.-Gilloise have won four and drawn one of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Union St.-Gilloise have one win and one draw from their last two home matches.
- Real Sociedad have one win in recent away matches.
Union can push La Real all the way
David Hubert has overseen a terrific spell at Union St.-Gilloise since taking over as manager on 13 October 2025, and Les Unionistes' trademark hard-pressing, quick-transition style has kept them on the front foot in all of their recent outings. They have won four and drawn one of their last five, a run that should see them sweep into Thursday's encounter with a Real Sociedad side that have been on a much patchier run.
While Union are currently 5th in the Europa League 2026-2027, having picked up three points from a possible three, La Real sit 22nd with just zero points from their opening game. Union have been the better side across that period, and they have some of the best odds of any matchday three game in the competition.
Mateo Biondic is Union's top-scorer in the Europa League 2026/2027, having bagged a goal in one game. He's not the only threat they have in their ranks, however, and Besfort Zeneli's single assist in one Europa League 2026/2027 game so far gives them the creative spark in behind. Sergio Gomez has scored one goal in his one Europa League 2026/2027 appearance for La Real and looks their sharpest finisher.
Standoff to feature some key moments
Pellegrino Matarazzo has overseen a real change of style at Real Sociedad since his appointment on 20 December 2025, and La Real have pressed high, pushed their high defensive line and tried to push men forward at every opportunity. They operate a 4-3-3 system, but the style is high-energy and they look to press opponents and play vertically when they can.
Union St.-Gilloise, meanwhile, line up in a 3-4-1-2 system that also looks to press high and make their opponents uncomfortable before breaking in numbers. With both sides looking to get on the front foot, we think the transitions will be key, but with Union St.-Gilloise on home soil, we're backing them to take the points.
A home win with a clean sheet is our top selection, but we're happy to take the odds on offer in the win, Over 2.5 goals and BTTS - No at 27/20. The game should open up enough for both teams to get their chances, but Union St.-Gilloise are more likely to make the most of them.
