Jove Espanyol v Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad enter this season’s Copa del Rey with hopes of emulating their historic 2019/20 campaign, where they defeated rivals Athletic Bilbao to claim the title for the third time in their history.

In the first round, they face Jove Espanyol, a fifth-tier side earning their spot in the competition for the first time after a solid Tercera Federación campaign last season. Jove Espanyol finished second in their group, collecting 64 points from 34 matches, securing their place among Spain’s elite for this prestigious tournament.

However, both teams have struggled for consistency this season. Real Sociedad are ninth in La Liga after a slow start, winning just one of their first seven matches. Meanwhile, Jove Espanyol sit sixth from bottom in their league, managing only three wins in nine matches. With their sights set on silverware, Real Sociedad will look to assert their dominance against the underdog.

⭐ Jove Espanyol v Real Sociedad Best Bets

Jove Espanyol v Real Sociedad

Thursday 20:00

Both Teams to Score – No

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While Real Sociedad had a shaky start to their La Liga campaign, recent form suggests a resurgence. They’ve won four of their last six domestic matches, including impressive victories over Sevilla and Barcelona. This clash against a struggling Jove Espanyol offers the perfect opportunity to build momentum.

Jove Espanyol have endured a rough patch, failing to win any of their last five games and losing four. Real Sociedad’s history in the Copa del Rey’s early rounds further supports backing a dominant performance. In recent campaigns, they’ve recorded commanding wins, such as 4-1 against CD Cazalegas, 5-0 versus CD Coria, and 4-0 against CF Panadería Pulido.

Given the gulf in quality and Real Sociedad’s desperation to secure a convincing win, odds of even money for a victory by three or more goals present excellent value. Expect Imanol Alguacil’s side to stamp their authority and secure a comprehensive win in this rescheduled first-round tie.

Real Sociedad’s defensive solidity has been a hallmark of their play, even during a challenging start to their season. Despite only one win in their first seven league matches, they boast one of La Liga’s best defences, conceding fewer goals than all but Atletico Madrid.

In their last six domestic outings, Real Sociedad have recorded clean sheets against strong opponents like Barcelona, Sevilla, Girona, and Valencia. Jove Espanyol, by contrast, has struggled to find the back of the net, failing to score in three of their last five matches, including losses to Atletico Saguntino and Ontinyent.

Given Real Sociedad’s defensive form and the limited attacking threat posed by Jove Espanyol, odds of 1.50 for BTTS NO offer solid value. A clean sheet for the La Liga side is the most likely outcome in this one-sided fixture.

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👕 Jove Espanyol v Real Sociedad Predicted XI

🔍 Jove Espanyol v Real Sociedad Key Players

🔵 Mikel Oyarzabal

Club captain Mikel Oyarzabal could play a key role, even if Imanol Alguacil rotates his squad. The hero of Real Sociedad’s 2020 Copa del Rey triumph remains one of their most influential players. Last season, Oyarzabal contributed to 24 goals in 3,454 minutes, averaging a goal or assist every 143 minutes.

His international form has also been superb, playing a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, where he scored against Denmark and in the final against England. If Oyarzabal features, his quality in the final third could make a significant difference, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him directly involved in goals. 

📂 Jove Espanyol v Real Sociedad Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet pending…

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💻 Jove Espanyol v Real Sociedad Form and Tactics

Real Sociedad are expected to dominate possession, as has been the case in previous Copa del Rey ties against lower-tier opposition. Historically, they’ve averaged 68% possession in early rounds, controlling the tempo of the match.

This season, they’ve maintained strong offensive metrics, with averages of nearly six corners, 13 shots, and 4.24 shots on target per game. Defensively, they’ve allowed just over 10 shots per game while committing 14.93 fouls and receiving 2.37 yellow cards per match.

Against a struggling Jove Espanyol, these numbers could be even more pronounced. Expect Real Sociedad to control the match from start to finish, creating numerous chances and restricting their opponents to limited opportunities, further underscoring the likelihood of a comprehensive victory.

🏁 Jove Espanyol v Real Sociedad Ref Watch

• Referee: Alejandro Quintero
• Has distributed 26 yellow cards in his last 5 matches, an average of 5.2 cards per game.
• He has awarded just 1 penalty kick in his last 10 matches. 
• He has brandished just 2 red cards in his last 20 games.

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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.

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