Preview: Real Sociedad vs. Espanyol - prediction, team news, lineups

Real Sociedad play host to Espanyol on Sunday evening looking to kick-start their La Liga campaign after a mixed start to the season.

While the home side sit in 11th position in the standings, Espanyol are four places and three points adrift of their hosts.

Match preview

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In seven games since the start of the season, Real Sociedad are yet to record successive wins, something which cannot sit well with Imanol Alguacil.

Nevertheless, with a draw against Atletico Madrid and victory over Manchester United until their belts, it would be harsh to be overly critical of Sociedad at this stage of the season.

Maximum points have been recorded in the Europa League group stages, but there can be no denying that Sociedad have plenty of work to do in La Liga.

Although games against Barcelona and Atletico are out of the way, Los Txuri-Urdin need to improve in the final third with just five goals coming from six games.

Two of those strikes have come from Brais Mendez, who netted what turned out to be a consolation as Sociedad lost 2-1 at Getafe in their last top-flight fixture.

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Espanyol find themselves only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference, but that does not necessarily mean that the mood is overwhelming low at the RCDE Stadium.

The Periquitos have already encountered fixtures with Celta Vigo, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla, collecting four points from that quartet of games.

Losing at home to Rayo Vallecano came as a considerable disappointment, but there are reasons for Diego Martinez to be positive about his team's future.

All of their points this season have come on their travels, and there is a strong argument that this is a clear 50-50 fixture as both teams attempt to head into the international break on a high note.

Team News

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After the long-term injury suffered by Umar Sadiq, Alguacil must decide how to replace the recent summer arrival.

A recall for Mendez appears to be the most likely solution, but David Silva is also pushing for an opportunity after remaining as an unused substitute in the Europa League.

Mikel Oyarzabal will not be considered for a return from a serious knee injury until next month at the very earliest.

Despite defeat at home to Sevilla last time out, Martinez is not expected to make widespread changes to his Espanyol side.

Right-sided player Ruben Sanchez and winger Nicolas Melamed appear most likely to come back into the team.

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:

Remiro; Sola, Zubeldia, Pacheco, Munoz; Merino, Zubimendi, Turrientes; Mendez, Sorloth, Kubo

Espanyol possible starting lineup:

Fernandez; Gil, Gomez, Cabrera, Olivan; Exposito, Souza; Puado, Darder, Braithwaite; Joselu

We say: Real Sociedad 2-1 Espanyol

Given the inconsistencies of both clubs, everything is pointing to this fixture being close. Espanyol will hope that Sociedad are tired from their exertions on Thursday, but we feel that the home side should do just enough to edge this contest to move into the top half of the table.

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