Espanyol-Real Sociedad is a match on the 21st day of La Liga and is played on Monday at 21:00: likely formations, predictions, TV and streaming.
The unsuspected Real Valladolid, a week ago, put an end to Real Sociedad’s unbeaten run in the league, which had not known a break since last October. It was defeat number five in this La Liga for the team coached by Imanol, which in the post-match of the 21st day is called upon to respond to the victories of Atletico Madrid and Betis. Both have won, reducing the gap to the Txuri-urdin.
A totally unexpected and unpredictable misstep, especially after the Basques had managed to resist none other than Real Madrid, stopped at 0-0 at the ‘Bernabeu’, and had not lost in months. The setback, however, moved little in terms of the classification. Real Sociedad remain firmly in third place, five points ahead of fifth-placed Betis. One possible mitigating factor in the defeat to the Bianviola is the injuries. The infirmary is full and in the post-match match against Espanyol the white-blue coach will have to do without Merquelanz, Elustondo, Gorosabel and, in all probability, David Silva, Merino and Guevara, all three of whom are in strong doubt.
Still forced choices then for Imanol, who has the obligation to prove that the one with Valladolid is a classic isolated case and not an alarm bell that hides something more serious. Given the outcome of last season, fears of a decline in the second half of the season are not unfounded. Fighting for a different goal instead is the Barcelona club, which after yesterday’s games finds itself fourth to last and one point ahead of the relegation zone.
Cesar Montes of Espanyol
Espanyol are, in any case, in line with what was expected and have only picked up two defeats since the season began: Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey and Almeria in the league. But after the 3-1 loss in Andalusia they bounced back, drawing 1-1 against an in-form Osasuna side and extending their home unbeaten run.
The prediction
Real Sociedad have prevailed in four of their last five clashes with Espanyol and, despite being absent, should be able to get right back on track after their misstep against Valladolid. The Catalans are struggling to keep their goals unbroken: the chances of at least three goals in the Barcelona post-match are very high.
Espanyol v Real Sociedad likely line-ups
- ESPANYOL (4-2-3-1): Pacheco; Oscar Gil, Sergi Gomez, Cabrera, Olivan; Vinicius, Gragera; Aleix Vidal, Darder, Puado; Braithwaite.
- REAL SOCIEDAD (4-3-3): Remiro; Barrenetxea, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Diego Rico; Zubimendi, Illarramendi, Brais Méndez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Sorloth.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
