Sheriff Tiraspol vs Real Sociedad prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-10-05 16:45.
With Sheriff Tiraspol already building a handy lead atop Moldova’s Super Liga they’ll be fully focused on getting back to winning ways in Europe after their UEFA Europa League 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in matchday two. With memories of their 2-1 win over Real Madrid last term fresh in the memory, they might relish taking on Spanish opponents again as Real Sociedad visit.
That Man United defeat will have stung the Wasps as it was their only loss across their last seven competitive home matches, only two of which saw Sheriff concede (W4, D2). Already disadvantaged by having to play European home games in Chişinău, they’re under pressure as they bid to better last term’s appearance in the UEL knockout play-off round having won just one of their last six UEL home games without needing extra-time or penalties (90 min: D3, L2).
Sociedad top UEL Group E after beating Man United (1-0) and Omonia Nicosia (2-1) and will be targeting strong performances against Sheriff to retain control of proceedings. They won an eight-goal thriller (5-3) against Girona at the weekend, showing their fighting qualities by twice coming from behind to register a three-game winning streak.
They’ll be seeking to emulate fellow La Liga side Madrid, who beat Sheriff here last term, and Sociedad have travelled well in this competition, losing just one of their last nine UEL away fixtures (W3, D5). They’ve never faced Moldovan opposition before though and the lengthy trip could add extra strain to a squad already missing several injured players.
Players to watch: Felipe Vizeu grabbed a brace for Sheriff at the weekend, his third goalscoring appearance in four in which he opened the scoring. Meanwhile, Sociedad’s Alexander Sørloth has bagged four goals in his last three club appearances, two of them breaking the deadlock.
Hot stat: This term’s UEL group stage is yet to produce a goalless draw.