Match Preview: Oviedo vs. Real Sociedad

The third round of La Liga action brings us an intriguing clash between Oviedo and Real Sociedad on August 30th at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere. This encounter promises to be a pivotal one for both sides early in the season.

Oviedo’s Current Form

Veljko Paunović’s men are currently struggling, having failed to secure any points or score a single goal in their return to La Liga. Their top-flight comeback has been challenging, partly due to facing UEFA Champions League contenders early on. In their opening fixture, Oviedo suffered a 0-2 away defeat to Villarreal, followed by a heavy 0-3 loss at home against Real Madrid.

Key Statistics for Oviedo

• In their last 16 matches across La Liga and Segunda, the club has only suffered 3 defeats (8 wins and 5 draws).
• Precisely two or three goals were scored in 6 of Oviedo’s last 7 matches in Spain’s top two divisions.
• Before their defeat to Real Madrid, the team boasted an 8-match unbeaten home run in Segunda (6 wins and 2 draws).

Predicted Oviedo Lineup (5-3-2)*

Aaron Escandell – Rahim Alhassan, Dani Calvo, Oier Luengo, Nacho Vidal, David Costas – Leander Dendoncker, Kwasi Sibo, Luka Ilić – Salomón Rondón, Ilias Chaira.

Real Sociedad’s Form and Challenges

The San Sebastián-based side has yet to truly impress at the start of the championship. Sergio Francisco’s squad has drawn both of their opening matches: a 1-1 away draw against Valencia, and a 2-2 stalemate at home against Espanyol. It’s worth noting Real Sociedad’s poor recent form in La Liga, with only one victory in their last 10 matches (alongside 4 draws and 5 defeats).

Real Sociedad Statistics

• The club has not scored more than 1 goal in 6 of their previous 8 Primera Division games.
• They have conceded the first goal in 5 of their last 6 league encounters.
• Real Sociedad is currently on a 5-match winless streak away from home in La Liga (2 draws and 3 defeats).

Predicted Real Sociedad Lineup (3-4-3)*

Alejandro Remiro – Jon Martín, Jon Aramburu, Igor Zubeldia – Beñat Turrientes, Pablo Marín Tejada, Luka Sučić, Sergio Gómez – Ander Barrenetxea, Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Oyarzabal.

Match Prediction: Oviedo vs. Real Sociedad

Last season, Oviedo rarely left their home turf without scoring. Although these were Segunda matches, it’s notable that before facing Real Madrid, the club had found the net in 10 consecutive home games. However, they have conceded in their last four home matches across both divisions.

Analyzing Team Performance and Betting Opportunities

Real Sociedad exhibits considerable weakness on the road, having secured only one victory in their last 12 Primera Division away games (against a relegated Las Palmas side). Furthermore, they conceded in all of these away fixtures. I believe the hosts have a solid opportunity to delight their fans with at least their first goal since returning to the top flight. Nevertheless, it’s improbable that Oviedo will keep a clean sheet. I anticipate the Basque side will extend their scoring streak this season to three matches.

Final Betting Tip

My prediction is “Both Teams to Score – Yes” with odds of 2.04

Author’s Note

Author: Олександр Олексенко

* The starting lineup listed for each team reflects their previous match in this tournament.