Espanyol head to the Reale Arena on Sunday, hoping to build on a fine start to La Liga 2025/26.
They stunned Atletico Madrid last weekend, with a 2-1 victory in front of their own fans. While they weren’t particularly impressive for much of that game, they exploded into life in the closing stages, as late goals from Miguel Rubio and Pere Milla sealed the points.
Manolo Gonzalez’s side only survived on the final day of last season. They were expected to struggle again, but look to have had a decent summer overall in the transfer market.
As for Real Sociedad, they kicked off the Sergio Francisco era with a 1-1 draw at Mestalla against Valencia. Take Kubo’s excellent strike ensured they quickly replied after falling behind to Los Che.
With Martin Zubimendi no longer around, this does feel like a weaker side though. Duje Caleta-Car and Goncalo Guedes are their only fresh additions.
How the bookies view it: La Real backed to triumph
Despite a relatively unconvincing start, Real Sociedad are the 4/5 favourites to win this game with Boylesports. You can back Espanyol to pick up all the points at 10/3, but the value may lie with the draw at 23/10, given they’re unlikely to show too much ambition in this game.
Recent head-to-head: Basque domination
Recent history does suggest that it could be a difficult afternoon for the Catalans. All of the last five meetings have been won by Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, the hosts have won all of the last six encounters at the Reale Arena.
Players to watch: A big season for Kubo
Kubo has been one of the most talented young players in La Liga for a number of years, but he has struggled to deliver on a consistent basis. That really needs to change if the Japanese international is to finally fulfil his early potential. An opening day goal is certainly a step in the right direction for the winger.
Predicted Lineups
Jon Gorrotxategi has been passed fit, so the home coach should have a full squad to pick from.
It’s a similar story for the visitors, although new signing Luca Koleosho still needs to be registered and may not feature in San Sebastian.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, S. Gomez, Caleta-Car, Zubeldia, Aramburu, Sucic, Turrientes, Mendez, Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal, Kubo.
Espanyol: Dmitrovic, Romero, Cabrera, Rubio, El Hilali, Lozano, Exposito, Puado, Terrats, Dolan, R. Fernandez.
Anything else catch the eye?
Real Sociedad have been in a state of decline over the past 18 months, having also lost key players Robin Le Normand and Mikel Merino in the summer of 2024. It’s a really tough job for their new boss who has no experience at this level, and after a fine start, backing Espanyol or draw in the double chance market may be worth a punt at 20/21 with Boylesports.
You can also back the home team to score under 1.5 goals at 8/11, a tempting price given La Real averaged just 0.92 goals per game last term in La Liga.
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