Red Bull Salzburg - Real Sociedad predictions and free betting tips [03/10/2023]

On Tuesday, 3rd October, as part of the 2nd round of the Champions League group stage, 'Salzburg' will host 'Real Sociedad' at their home ground. Two weeks ago, the home team defeated 'Benfica' on the road 0:2, while the Spanish club shared the spoils in the home match with Milan "Inter".

Predicted Lineups

'Salzburg': Schlager; Dedic, Baidoo, Pavlovic, Terzic; Bidstrup, Gourna-Douath, Gloukh, Kjaergaard; Simic, Konate.
'Real Sociedad': Remiro; Traore, Elustondo, Pacheco, Munoz; Cho, Gonzalez, Turrientes, Merino; Fernandez, Oyarzabal.  

Stadium

The match will take place in Salzburg at the Red Bull Arena. 

'Salzburg'

Two weeks ago, 'Salzburg' achieved triumph in the first round, defeating 'Benfica' with a score of 0:2 after Antonio Silva's defender was sent off in the 13th minute. The goals were scored by Roko Simic and Oscar Gluh after Karim Konate failed to convert a penalty in the third minute. The success in Lisbon ended Gerhard Struber's side's seven-match winless run away in the European competitions. Spectacularly, the Austrians regularly perform in the main club tournament in Europe, and despite not being the favourites in their group, they should not be treated lightly.

A week ago in the championship, "bulls" suffered their first defeat in the match with "Linz" (0:1), after which they thrashed "Austria Salzburg" in the 1/16 finals of the Austrian Cup (0:4) and dealt with "Austria Lustenau" with the same score in the national championship. It should be noted that 'Salzburg' has lost only one of their last eight home matches in the European cups. 

'Real Sociedad'

'Real Sociedad' in the first round of the Champions League took an early lead thanks to a goal from Brais Mendez in the home match against Inter Milan, yet Lautaro Martinez helped 'nerazzurri' to recover. Even so, the white and blues were not overly disappointed with such a result, as after defeating 'Getafe' with a score of 4:3, the visitors also handled 'Valencia' at the Mestalla (0:1) and did in Basque derby with 'Athletic' from Bilbao (3:0).

Currently, 'Real' takes the 4th place in the La Liga table and has no plans to let up. It's worth noting that the Spanish club has not participated in the elite European tournament for 10 years and clearly expects to advance to the playoffs. Both Carlos Fernandez and Andre Silva (RB Leipzig, on loan) are back in the squad, missing the game against 'Inter'. 

Head-to-Head Meetings

These teams met in the 1/8 finals of the Europa League in 2018. The Austrians advanced further on the aggregate of two matches (2:2, 2:1). 

Match Prediction 'Salzburg' – 'Real Sociedad'

This game is important from the tournament point of view for both teams because the winner will undoubtedly lead the group at the end of the round - 'Benfica' and Milan 'Inter' will play their match later in the evening. 'Sociedad' has been in good form in recent weeks and sits in the top-4 of La Liga, having clinched three consecutive wins. The hosts are indeed a tough nut to crack - however, they significantly lag behind the opponent in terms of picking performers. My prediction - a victory for the white-and-blues with the handicap 0.  

Total Prediction 

Both sides play attacking football and score many goals in their championships. I bet on a goal exchange. 

Corners Forecast 

Both sides will attack a lot and create dangerous moments at the opponent's gates, meaning at least 9 corners will be served within 90 minutes of play. 

Yellow Cards Forecast 

I do not expect an abundance of yellow cards here, considering that the teams are not known for excessive rough play on the field. My prediction - the total number of warnings is less than 3.5.  

Score Prediction

I'll go for an exact score of 1:2 in favour of 'Real Sociedad'.