Real Sociedad need a win to stop the snowball | OneFootball

A pocket of Real Sociedad fans is jittery after defeats at La Cartuja and the Bernabéu. Performances suggested Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side can compete, yet they have zero points. Beating Espanyol today feels important to prevent a slide.

According to Diario Vasco, Matarazzo said the team were ready for La Cartuja after seven weeks of work, despite key players lacking fitness and injuries such as Guedes. He only had his first training session with a new signing yesterday.

Mamadou Sarr is in the squad after meeting his new team-mates, debut minutes might come from the bench. Given the game’s weight, Matarazzo could go full strength despite the AFE’s 72-hour guidance. Remiro should continue, with Aramburu and Sergio, and Zubeldia set to return alongside Jon Martín on the left side after a tweak first seen against Chelsea.

Fresh legs are likelier in midfield and attack. Oyarzabal and Óskarsson could start together for the first time, Yangel Herrera has impressed and may keep his place, with Turrientes also in the frame. If Óskarsson starts, Oyarzabal may drop deeper, while Barrenetxea and Sucic are expected to feature.

The squad looks stronger, with Sarr signed and the club finalising Héctor Fort. Even so, last season’s first win arrived on matchday 6 against Mallorca and a poor start led to Sergio Francisco’s December dismissal. Another early wobble cannot be allowed to drag on.

Espanyol under Manolo González endured a long winless stretch and a relegation scare last term, yet the project now appears firmer. Monchi has targeted standout second-tier talent, with Calatrava joining from Castellón for just under five million euros and academy product Hinojo impressing. Urko and Expósito aim to control midfield at Anoeta.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”