RCD Espanyol vs. Real Sociedad: A Match Preview for the Ages

Match Preview

RCD Espanyol and Real Sociedad will face off in a highly anticipated La Liga clash on Saturday at the RCDE Stadium. Both teams come into the match in good form, and the match is expected to be closely contested.

RCD Espanyol

Espanyol are currently 12th in the La Liga table with 34 points from 22 matches. They have won nine of their last 14 matches in all competitions, and they are unbeaten in their last five matches in La Liga.

Espanyol's main strength is their attacking play. They have scored 34 goals in La Liga this season, which is the fifth-highest total in the league. They are also the third-highest scorers from set pieces in La Liga, with nine goals from corners and free kicks.

Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad are currently third in the La Liga table with 42 points from 22 matches. They have won 11 of their last 14 matches in all competitions, and they are unbeaten in their last four matches in La Liga.

Real Sociedad's main strength is their defence. They have only conceded 20 goals in La Liga this season, which is the best defensive record in the league. They are also the most effective team at winning tackles in La Liga, with an average of 37 successful tackles per match.

Head-to-Head

The two teams have met 45 times in the past, with Real Sociedad holding a slight edge with 19 wins to Espanyol's 16. The two teams have drawn nine times.

In their most recent meeting, Real Sociedad beat Espanyol 2-0 at the Reale Arena in September 2021.

Prediction

This is a difficult match to predict, as both teams are in good form. However, Real Sociedad's superior defensive record suggests that they may have a slight edge.

Predicted Score:

Espanyol 1-2 Real Sociedad

Key Battles

Wu Lei vs. Aritz Elustondo

Wu Lei is Espanyol's leading scorer this season with 12 goals in all competitions. He is a quick and agile forward who is always looking to get in behind the defence.

Aritz Elustondo is Real Sociedad's starting right-back. He is a solid defender who is good at reading the game and making interceptions.

Sergi Darder vs. Martin Zubimendi

Sergi Darder is Espanyol's creative spark in midfield. He is a good passer and dribbler, and he is always looking to make things happen.

Martin Zubimendi is Real Sociedad's starting defensive midfielder. He is a physically strong and aggressive player who is good at breaking up play.

Team News

Espanyol

Espanyol will be without the suspended Leandro Cabrera. Raul de Tomas is a doubt with a muscle injury.

Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad will be without the injured Aihen Munoz and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Match Facts

• This is the 46th meeting between the two teams in all competitions.
• Real Sociedad have won 19 of the previous 45 meetings, while Espanyol have won 16.
• The two teams have drawn nine times.
• Espanyol have not beaten Real Sociedad in their last five meetings.
• Real Sociedad are unbeaten in their last four matches in La Liga.
• Espanyol have won their last five matches in all competitions.
• Real Sociedad have the best defensive record in La Liga this season.
• Espanyol are the third-highest scorers from set pieces in La Liga this season.

Tables

La Liga Table

Espanyol's Results in the Last Five Matches

Real Sociedad's Results in the Last Five Matches