Espanyol vs Real Sociedad — Spain 1 odds & prediction

Mikel Oyarzabal is the clear attacking reference point for Real Sociedad, starting seven of the last ten matches and scoring four goals in that span. With Ander Barrenetxea and Goncalo Guedes both injured, the creative burden falls even more heavily on the captain. Espanyol's defensive record offers encouragement: they have kept only three clean sheets in ten and have conceded at home to the likes of Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao. The surroundings at RCDE Stadium will be emotional, but Oyarzabal has the quality to impose himself. His minutes-per-goal rate of 176 minutes is solid for a player who takes penalties and leads the line. In a game where both sides are expected to score, the main man for the visitors is well placed to find the net. I'm going with Mikel Oyarzabal to score at any time.

Mikel Oyarzabal has been the standout performer in the visitor's attack recently, providing a clinical edge that has been essential during their league campaign. With four goals and an assist across his last seven starts, he continues to demonstrate the composure required to thrive in these high-pressure, end-of-season environments. Given that Real Sociedad are signaling an intention to play with an attacking configuration to end their campaign on a positive note, Oyarzabal is perfectly positioned to find space against an Espanyol defensive unit that has shown cracks throughout the year. His involvement in the build-up and his habit of timing his runs into the box make him the primary threat here. I'm going with Mikel Oyarzabal to score at any time.

With Barrenetxea injured and Oskarsson expected to begin on the bench, the central attacking responsibility for Real Sociedad funnels toward Mikel Oyarzabal. He has been the team's most consistent goal threat, with 4 goals in his 7 starts and a goal roughly every 176 minutes — strong output for a wide-leaning forward who also takes set pieces and penalties. Espanyol's defensive profile is exactly the type to crack. They have kept only 3 clean sheets in their last 10 and leak late, which suits a player who often comes alive in the second half once the game stretches. Sociedad's projected XI also leans into him as the focal figure of attacking moves rather than a peripheral option. The price reflects his status as a likely scorer but doesn't fully account for the squeeze in attacking competition created by recent absences. In a game that profiles as open and goals-friendly, having the main set-piece taker and primary forward at this number is reasonable value. I'm going with Mikel Oyarzabal to score at any time.