Surprise the Sheriff in the Basque Country?
Sheriff Tiraspol is one of the clubs that made a splash in the Champions League last season. This season, the Moldovans have been somewhat grounded again, but participation in the Europa League is still a big deal for the national serial champions. Games like the one in San Sebastian on Thursday are still absolute highlights in the club’s history.
Realistically, though, all that matters for the Sheriff in this group stage is to finish third and continue in the Conference League after the winter break. There is no way around Real Sociedad and Manchester United in the top two places. The Spaniards currently lead the way with nine points, while the Red Devils follow in second place with six points.
The Moldovans are third with three points and will be fighting for third place with Omonia Nicosia, who are last with three defeats. A glance at the table also makes it clear that the forecast for the clash between Real Sociedad and Sheriff Tiraspol can only go to a home win.
The champions of the Republic of Moldova, however, are a team that does not allow itself to be shot down, even in the Europa League. Generally, they keep up well even against the favourites. Nevertheless, we are inclined to place a bet on a handicap win (-1.5) for the home side in the second leg between Real Sociedad and Sheriff Tiraspol. Perhaps it will also be a win for the Spaniards.
Real Sociedad – Statistics & current form
So far Real Sociedad San Sebastian are playing a very strong season. Especially in the last few weeks, Imanol Alguacil’s team has scored important victories. The coach makes no secret of the fact that he is currently very satisfied with his team. Nevertheless, he is now switching to attacking mode in order to be even more successful.
Winning streak of the Basques
While the Basques have made a strong impression of late anyway. In La Liga, San Sebastian are in sixth place and thus right in the thick of the race for Champions League places. All in all, they have celebrated five wins in a row. Therefore, there is no way around playing the odds on a home victory between Real Sociedad and Sheriff Tiraspol.
The last few results have been strong, but it is worth noting that the Basques now seem to have got to grips with their defensive problems. Most recently, there were two victories without conceding a goal. Especially the 1-0 win against Villarreal last weekend was hard-earned. Brais Mendez’s goal after just over half an hour was enough for the three points.
It is conceivable that the Spaniards will make a major rotation, given their comfortable position in the Europa League. Although Imanol Alguacil has some injury worries, he has enough options at his disposal to field a strong team. Umar Sadiq, Martin Merquelanz, Ander Barrenetxea, Mikel Oyarzabal and Andoni Gorosabel are still out.
Predicted line-up of Real Sociedad:
Remiro – Munoz, Pacheco, Elustondo, Sola – Merino, Zubimendi, Mendez, Silva – Sörloth, Kubo – Coach: Alguacil
Last matches played by Real Sociedad:
La Liga
09/10/2022 – Real Sociedad 1 – 0 FC Villarreal
Europa League Grp. E
06/10/2022 – FC Sheriff 0 – 2 Real Sociedad
La Liga
02/10/2022 – Girona 3 – 5 Real Sociedad
18/09/2022 – Real Sociedad 2 – 1 Espanyol
Europa League Grp. E
15/09/2022 – Real Sociedad 2 – 1 Omonia Nicosia
Sheriff Tiraspol – Statistics & current form
Sheriff Tiraspol continue to sound like big underdogs, but the team from the Moldovan province of Transnistria managed to win 2-1 at eventual Champions League winners Real Madrid last season. Even if the team has a slightly different face this year, the Spaniards from Real Sociedad in particular will know that they have to take this opponent very seriously.
Whoever scores wins
Croatian coach Stjepan Tomas’ side currently occupy first place in the national league and are already six points clear after ten matchdays. In total, however, there have only been two victories from the last five competitive matches. It is striking that in the last eight games the Moldovans have scored a maximum of one team. Therefore, we can imagine predicting a home win without conceding a goal in the Real Sociedad versus Sheriff Tiraspol clash.
Last Sunday, there was that in the Moldovan Super Liga derby at Dinamo Auto Tiraspol. In front of just 200 spectators, the sheriff narrowly won 1-0, Abou Outtara scoring the goal of the day after just 25 minutes. The champions held on to their narrow lead in an intense game with many yellow cards.
On Thursday in Spain, coach Stjepan Tomas will definitely have to make changes in the centre of attack. Iyavi Atienwen will have to serve a yellow suspension. It is conceivable that Felipe Vizeu will replace him in the team. Moussa Kyabou will be absent due to a sending off in last week’s first leg against San Sebastian. Otherwise, however, the Moldovans should have all their players available.
Predicted line-up of Sheriff Tiraspol:
Celeadnic – Zohouri, Radeljic, Heron, Renan Guedes – Salifu, Diop, Badolo – Akanbi, Outtara, Vizeu – Coach: Tomas
Last matches played by Sheriff Tiraspol:
Super League
09/10/2022 – Dinamo-Auto 0 – 1 FC Sheriff
Europa League Grp. E
06/10/2022 – FC Sheriff 0 – 2 Real Sociedad
Super League
02/10/2022 – FC Sheriff 3 – 0 FC Sfintul Gheorghe
18/09/2022 – FC Sheriff 0 – 0 Zimbru
Europa League Grp. E
15/09/2022 – FC Sheriff 0 – 2 Manchester United
Real Sociedad – Sheriff Tiraspol Direct comparison / H2H record
Sheriff Tiraspol attracted international attention for the first time last season. The Moldovans have been playing in the European Cup for many years, but usually failed in the qualifying groups and have therefore hardly played against the continent’s renowned teams.
That is why last week’s first leg is also the first duel against Real Sociedad San Sebastian. The Spaniards won 2-0 in Moldova and are now logically ahead in the direct comparison. The score was still 0-0 at the break before David Silva broke the spell in the 53rd minute. Aritz Elustondo then added the 2:0 for the Basques.
Real Sociedad – Sheriff Tiraspol Tip
Real Sociedad can already safely enter the knockout round with a home win and anything else would be a big surprise on Thursday. Sure, Sheriff Tiraspol also won at Real Madrid last season, but that’s exactly why the Basques will know what to expect and with a focused performance they will want to record their fourth win in their fourth game in the Europa League.
In general, Imanol Alguacil’s team is in very good shape and has won all of its last five competitive matches. Therefore, we expect that there will be no two opinions about the winner at the Reale Arena.
The Moldovans are not to be taken lightly, but last week’s first leg showed that there are differences in quality between the two opponents. We expect these to be evident again on Thursday in the Basque Country. That is why we have decided to play the betting odds on a handicap win (-1.5) for the Spaniards between Real Sociedad and Sheriff Tiraspol.
