Real Sociedad vs Espanyol 15/01/19

15 January 2019

The two struggling sides will face-off at the Estadio Anoeta in the last La Liga fixture this weekend, as Real Sociedad prepare to take on Espanyol.

An outstanding 2-0 road win over Real Madrid last time out has brought Real Sociedad’s three-game LL losing streak to an end, and it was also the first time they’ve managed to keep a clean sheet after conceding in six consecutive league games. However, the Royal have lost both of their last two LL home outings, remaining at just one win after their opening eight home clashes (W1, D3, L4). Holding the worst attacking record in La Liga when it comes to home encounters, Imanol Alguacil’s players have scored only six goals at home so far, failing to hit the net four times in the process. Toothless in the final third but stubborn at the back, four of Real Sociedad’s last six home races have produced under 1.5 goals.

Just like their rivals, the Periquitos have managed to end a three-game LL losing-run in the previous round, securing a narrow 1-0 home triumph over Leganes. Winless in their last six competitive road meetings (D2, L4), Rubi’s players remain one of the worst road teams in the league, having secured just one win in 11 away clashes across all competitions this season. Established as one of the weakest attacking squads in the Spanish top flight, the Blanquiazules have failed to score over 1.5 goals per match in their last nine league outings. What’s more, Espanyol have scored one goal or less on nine of their last ten visits to the Estadio Anoeta, struggling to find the net three times in the process.

Provisional line-up – Real Sociedad:

Gk: Rulli Defense: Elustondo – Hector Moreno – Diego Llorente – Aihen Munoz Midfield: Mikel Merino – Zurutuza – Illaramendi Attack: Januzaj – Oyarzabal – Willian Jose

Provisional line-up – Espanyol:

Gk: Adrian Lopez Defense: Didac Vila – Oscar Duarte – David Lopez – Rosales Midfield: Marc Roca – Melendo – Sergi Darder Attack: Sergio Garcia – Leo Baptistao – Iglesias Quintas