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Real Sociedad will invite Anderlecht to Anoeta Stadium in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. Both teams began their campaign on a positive note, with a win for the visitors and Sociedad playing out a draw.
The hosts met Nice in their away game last week and were held to a 1-1 draw. Ander Barrenetxea gave them the lead in the 18th minute and Pablo Rosario pulled Nice level in the 45th minute. Sociedad had a bit of luck on their side as Evann Guessand missed from the penalty spot in the second half.
They returned to winning ways after six games on Saturday with a 3-0 home win over Valencia in La Liga. Takefusa Kubo scored in the eighth minute and Orri Óskarsson bagged a second-half brace. Sergio Gómez had two assists in this win.
The visitors played Ferencvaros in their campaign opener and second-half goals from Yari Verschaeren and Kasper Dolberg helped them to a 2-1 home win. They extended their unbeaten streak to three games on Sunday with a 1-1 draw against Dender in the Belgian Pro League.
Real Sociedad vs Anderlecht Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams will meet for the first time.
- Sociedad have met Belgian teams twice with both meetings coming against Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen in the erstwhile UEFA Cup in the 1980-81 season. They went winless in these meetings with a draw and a loss.
- Anderlecht have squared off against Spanish teams 27 times in all competitions. They have a decent record in these meetings with 11 wins and 12 losses.
- Real Sociedad are winless in their last four Europa League games, failing to score in three.
- The visitors are unbeaten in their five away games this season, recording three wins.
Real Sociedad vs Anderlecht Prediction
Txuri-Urdin have seen an upturn in form recently, as they are unbeaten in their last three games, keeping two clean sheets. Interestingly, they have lost three of their four home games this season, conceding two goals each, and will look to improve upon that record.
Umar Sadiq is back from an injury spell and could start here. Álvaro Odriozola was left out against Valencia and is a doubt. Sheraldo Becker trained earlier this week and faces a late fitness test.
Paars-wit have won just one of their last six games in all competitions, with four games ending in draws. They are winless in their last eight games in the Europa League, suffering four losses.
Jan Vertonghen and Thorgan Hazard are long-term absentees for the visitors and Nilson Angulo is suspended after being booked twice in the campaign opener. Francis Amuzu is sidelined with a muscle injury while Ludwig Augustinsson and Marco Kana are doubts.
Both teams play for the third time in a week, so fatigue will be a factor. With that in mind and considering their current record in the Europa League, a draw will likely ensue.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-1 Anderlecht
Real Sociedad vs Anderlecht Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Brais Méndez to score or assist any time - Yes
