Estadi Cornellà-El Prat — Cornellà de Llobregat
Team News
Espanyol
Espanyol missed the opportunity to close the gap on Osasuna and Levante
in the race for European places last weekend as they could only manage a
0-0 draw with Villarreal. Los Pericos badly missed the invention and trickery of Philippe Coutinho
at El Madrigal and he should return with Vladimir Weiss likely to drop
to the bench. Sergio García made his return from injury last time out and will be
looking to end his drought, as he hasn't scored in the league since
December.
probable lineups : Casilla, Didac, Moreno, Rodriguez, Lopez, Romaric, Baena, Cautinho, Verdu, Garcia, Uche. (4-2-3-1).
Real Sociedad returned to winning ways in some style after three
consecutive defeats, as they defeated Rayo Vallecano 4-0 last weekend. That victory came at some cost though, as Inigo Martinez has had to undergo knee surgery and will miss the rest of the season.
With Mikel González also a week or two away from fitness, Ion Ansotegi is expected to partner Vadim Demidov in central defence. Given the margin of victory last time out, Philippe Montanier may be
tempted to go with the same side again but the Frenchman prefers to play
with just one striker away from home so Xabi Prieto may come in for
Imanol Agirretxe.
probable lineups : Bravo, Estrada, Demidov, Ansetogi, Cadamuro, Illarramendi, Elustondo, Prieto, Zurutuza, Griezmann, Vela. (4-2-3-1).
Match Facts
Espanyol have been drawing at half time and winning at full time in their last 3 home matches against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
Espanyol have seen under 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
Espanyol have won their last 3 home matches against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
Real Sociedad have lost their last 5 away matches in La Liga.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Real Sociedad's last 3 games in La Liga.
Head to Head
| Apr 1, 2012 | Villarreal 0 - Espanyol 0 | LIGA |
| Mar 25, 2012 | Espanyol 1 - Malaga 2 | LIGA |
| Mar 22, 2012 | Betis 1 - Espanyol 1 | LIGA |
| Mar 19, 2012 | Espanyol 3 - Racing 1 | LIGA |
| Mar 11, 2012 | Espanyol 5 - Rayo Vallecano 1 | LIGA |
| Apr 1, 2012 | Real Sociedad 4 - Rayo Vallecano 0 | LIGA |
| Mar 24, 2012 | Real Madrid CF 5 - Real Sociedad 1 | LIGA |
| Mar 21, 2012 | Real Sociedad 1 - Levante 3 | LIGA |
| Mar 17, 2012 | Getafe 1 - Real Sociedad 0 | LIGA |
| Mar 10, 2012 | Real Sociedad 3 - Zaragoza 0 | LIGA |
| Spain - Primera Division | Nov 20, 2011 | Real Sociedad 0 - Espanyol 0 | |
| Spain - Primera Division | Feb 26, 2011 | Espanyol 4 - Real Sociedad 1 | |
| Spain - Primera Division | Oct 2, 2010 | Real Sociedad 1 - Espanyol 0 | |
| Spain - Primera Division | Apr 8, 2007 | Espanyol 1 - Real Sociedad 0 | |
| Spain - Primera Division | Nov 12, 2006 | Real Sociedad 1 - Espanyol 1 |
Prediction
The importance of Coutinho to Espanyol since his arrival in the Catalan
capital was sorely underlined last weekend, as despite now having a
number of attacking options, they didn't look nearly the same threat
going forward, so his fitness will be key to their chances.
Sociedad have been terrible away from home in recent months; losing all five of their away games since January.
The home side should also have extra motivation in their quest for
Europe as Sociedad almost guaranteed survival with their win against
Rayo and that should will them on to three points.
Espanyol 2 - 1 Real Sociedad
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