Form and Line-up
Fans of Gonzalez's side have been waiting a long time for a first win in 2026. Until January Espanyol were picking up points at a decent rate – the club finished last calendar year in the top five with 10 wins in 17 matches. However, the team then suddenly dropped off and even moved close to the relegation zone. Everything changed in mid-May: deserved victories over Athletic (2:0) and Osasuna (2:1) took the Catalan side back into mid-table. In Pamplona the visitors were more clinical in front of goal (0.79:1.72 on xG).
Key numbers for Espanyol:
Espanyol have suffered only two defeats in six home matches since the beginning of February.
Espanyol have scored four goals in the last two rounds – only Levante and Valencia have scored more (five each).
In 18 home matches Espanyol have gone over 1.5 goals in 14 cases.
Probable Espanyol line-up (4-4-2): Marco Dmitrovic – Carlos Romero, Leandro Cabrera, Clemens Riedel, Omar El Hilali – Pere Milla, Ruben Sanchez, Urko Gonzalez, Tyrhys Dolan – Kike Garcia, Edu Exposito.
Absentees: Javi Puado, Cyril Ngonge (both injured), Pol Lozano (suspended).
Form and Line-up
For the Basque side everything went wrong after their triumph in the Copa del Rey. As soon as Real Sociedad secured a place in European competitions, the team lost its competitive edge. The last six rounds of La Liga have brought only three points, and in three matches over this stretch Matarazzo's team conceded 2+ goals. Away to Valencia (3:4) the visitors led twice, but collapsed at the end, conceding on 89 and 93 minutes.
Key numbers for Real Sociedad:
The Basque side have won only 3 of 18 away matches in La Liga.
Real Sociedad have gone over 2.5 goals in 22 league matches – only two teams have done this more often.
Real Sociedad have suffered three defeats in their last six away games against Espanyol.
Probable Real Sociedad line-up (4-2-3-1): Alex Remiro – Aihen Munoz, Igor Zubeldia, Jon Martin, Aritz Elustondo – Carlos Soler, Benat Turrientes – Arsen Zakharyan, Brais Mendez, Pablo Marin – Orri Oskarsson.
Absentees: Alvaro Odriozola, Jon Gorrochategui, Duje Caleta-Car, Ander Barrenetxea (all injured).
