Prediction and odds for the game: Real Sociedad (9/5) v Napoli (31/20)
We are backing the draw at odds of 23/10
When: Thursday, 29th October 2020, Kick-off 20:00
Where: The Reale Arena
On Thursday night, two of Europe’s in-form teams meet at the Reale Arena, as Real Sociedad host Napoli in Group F of the Europa League.
Real Sociedad
La Real have made a stellar to their campaign, as Imanol Alguacil’s team are top of La Liga after seven rounds. A 4-1 home win over Huesca last time out was the home sides fourth straight win in all competitions. The league win followed a 1-0 win at Rijeka on gameweek one of the Europa League.
The victory over the Croatian team last time out in the Europa League ended a three-game winless run in the competition for the Spanish team dating back to 2017. It was no coincidence that the match against Rijeka saw La Real keep their first clean sheet in the Europa League in four matches.
Real Sociedad have only ever played six home games in the Europa League, recording four victories, but failing to win their last two home matches in the competition. However, their last home match in this competition was back in 2018, so those stats may mean very little.
Napoli
The visitors have been one of the teams to watch this season in Serie A early in the 2020/21 campaign. It could be argued that only leaders Milan have enjoyed a better start to their season in the Italian top-flight. Gennaro Gattuso’s team have won four of their five games in the league, with an administrative default defeat against Juventus their only blip this season.
The team from Naples are certainly full of confidence at the moment. However, the visitors suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat against Dutch team AZ Alkmaar on gameweek one of the Europa League.
The visitors have a poor recent record in the Europa League, as they lost in their opening group game means that the Azzurri have suffered defeat in their last four games in the competition. They have also failed to score in their last three games in the Europa League.
Napoli have a mixed recent record on their travels in European football’s secondary competition. In fact, the visitors have won two and lost three of their last five games.
Conclusion
This will be a fascinating clash between two teams who have been in great form of late. With that in mind, we are backing the draw, as it’s difficult to choose between the two teams on current form. Both teams have looked very handy in attack this season, so the other bet we recommend is over 2.5 goals scored.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 23/10 and/or over 2.5 goals scored at evens. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Who will come out on top in San Sebastian?
