Real Sociedad and Anderlecht have found victories hard to come by in recent weeks so they will both be desperate for a win when they face off in San Sebastien in the UEFA Europa League.
The Belgian giants beat Ferencvaros at home in their Euro opener but that's their only victory in the last six outings, with too many draws hindering their domestic title push.
It has been a similar story for Real Sociedad, with the Basque club drawing two of their last three games. But Imanol Alguacil saw his side claim just their second win of the season at home to Valencia on Sunday as they romped to a 3-0 win.
Real Sociedad drew 1-1 at Nice in their Euro opener, with Slips Tips coming just short with one of his bets, so Alguacil will be looking to get their campaign up and a running with a win at home.
Anderlecht won't be pushovers though so it will be fascinating to see how things pan out at the Anoeta.
How the bookies view it: Pain in Spain for Belgians
It's no great surprise to see the La Liga side as odds-on favourites for this one at 3/5 with Betano. Anderlecht are 19/5 outsiders and the draw pays 5/2.
Recent head to head: Out for first blood
These sides have never faced off in European competition before but Anderlecht have enjoyed many a joust with Spanish competition. Their record is decent too, with 11 wins, three draws and 12 defeats against some top-class sides.
Players to watch: Kubo a rising son
Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo has made a decent start to the season, with three goals for club and country. The Japanese winger is 31/20 with Betano for anytime scorer and 9/4 at Bet365 for over 1.5 efforts on target.
Swedish striker Kasper Dolberg has plenty of experience at the highest level and the former Ajax man could be Anderlecht's best bet for a goal. He's 3/1 with Betano to net his third of the season.
Probable line-ups
Nilson Angulo is suspended for Anderlecht after getting sent off in their win over Ferencvaros. Belgian internationals Thorgan Hazard and Jan Vertonghen remain out through injury along with Francis Amuzu.
Hamari Traore and Arsen Zakharyan look set to miss out again for Real Sociedad. Star man Mikel Oyarzabal has been struggling with an ankle injury and only played an hour at the weekend, with his replacement Orri Oskarsson netting a double.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Odriozola, Munoz, Zubeldia, Pacheco, Martin, Zubimendi, Kubo, Mendez, Marin, Oyarzabal.
Anderlecht: Coosemans, Simic, N'Diaye, Zanka, Sardella, Verschaeren, Stroeykens, Dendoncker, Vazquez, Dolberg, Edozie.
Anything else catch the eye?
Although Real Sociedad have been struggling a bit, they still have a better team than Anderlecht so it might pay off to back them to be winning at half-time and full-time, which pays 6/4 at Betfred.
The Basque side have been averaging 7.5 corners at home this season so could be worth backing at -2 in the corner handicap with Bet365, which pays 20/21. Over nine match corners also looks decent at 10/11.
Leander Dendoncker will be at the heart of the midfield battle for Anderlecht and looks a bit overpriced at 22/5 with Unibet for a card.
This UEFA Europa League match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht will be played on Oct 3, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Real Sociedad vs Anderlecht prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
