Espanyol vs Real Sociedad Prediction: the Basques will be closer to victory

Prediction for the La Liga match which will take place on August 24. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

The Catalans played five friendlies before the start of the season: victory over Huesca, draws with Girona, Toulouse and Sabadell and a 1:2 defeat to Heidenheim. Espanyol began the championship with a 0:1 defeat from Valladolid, the goal was conceded in the 23rd minute, it was scored by Moro. In general, the Catalans played a weak match, according to the xG index they scored only 0.26 goals, they shot 10 times in the direction of the goal and hit the goalpost twice.

The Basques have played six friendlies ahead of the start of the 2024/25 season. Victories over Tokyo Verdi and Gamba Osaka, defeats to Alaves, Osasuna and Rennes, and a draw with Union Berlin. It should be noted that the Basques are ranked 4th in La Liga in terms of squad value, behind only three grands, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico. The Basques started in the championship with a sensational home defeat to Rayo Vallecano with the score 1:2. Zubimendi scored the only goal of the game in the 8th minute of added time. The Basques had an xG of 1.55 goals, possession 66 per cent of the time, 11 shots on goal and five shots on target.

Meet the losers of the first round of La Liga, both the Catalans and the Basques lost their games. True, Real Sociedad played not the worst match, Rayo was somewhat lucky, and RS failed to capitalise on chances. Espanyol in the match against Valladolid looked extremely faded and if the Catalans will play at the same level and the upcoming meeting, we doubt that the opponent will have a chance even for a draw. In this pair we bet on the guests. As for the total, we are unlikely to witness a high-scoring match.