UEFA Europa League 26/27 · Round 2 ·
Union Saint-Gilloise vs Real Sociedad San Sebastian preview: Union Gilloise host Real Sociedad in a meeting of contrasting starts
Union Gilloise arrive at King Power at Den Dreef Stadion with a perfect early record, while Real Sociedad are still looking for their first point. The single most important finding is the home side's large attacking edge, with Union Gilloise scoring three goals in their opening match against Real Sociedad's one.
By 10xSharp · Published
This preview was published before kickoff. The match has finished: see the result and full stats. Read the match report.
Who is unavailable
Real Sociedad are missing two defenders, with Alvaro Odriozola and Jon Aramburu both ruled out through injury. Neither is among their leading scorers, so the absence does not remove a primary goal threat. Union Gilloise have no players listed as unavailable.
Players who have carried the attack
Union Gilloise's early goals have been spread across three players, with Mateo Biondic, Relebohile Mofokeng and Ondrej Kricfalusi each scoring once in their opening match. For Real Sociedad, Sergio Gomez has scored their only goal this season, accounting for 100% of the team's goals in this competition.
Recent form and momentum
Union Gilloise have won their only league match so far, while Real Sociedad have lost theirs. Across their last six matches in all competitions, Union Gilloise have won five and drawn one, scoring 17 goals and conceding three. Real Sociedad have won three and lost three of their last six, scoring ten and conceding twelve. Both sides have had the same rest period since their last match.
Where the teams stand
Union Gilloise sit 5th with three points from their opening match, while Real Sociedad are 22nd with no points. Union Gilloise have yet to play at home this season, while Real Sociedad have played their only match at home and lost it.
Head to head
There is no head-to-head history between these two clubs in the data available for this fixture.
Attacking threat
Union Gilloise hold a large attacking edge, scoring three goals in their opening match compared with Real Sociedad's one. Union Gilloise's three goals per match is better than the league average of 1.31, while Real Sociedad's one goal per match is marginally worse than that same average.
Defensive solidity
Union Gilloise have yet to concede this season, keeping a clean sheet in their only match, while Real Sociedad have conceded two goals. Union Gilloise's defensive record is better than the league average, while Real Sociedad's is worse.
Shot volume and blocked shots
Union Gilloise have averaged 13 shots on target per match, far more than Real Sociedad's five. Real Sociedad have seen four of their shots blocked per match, compared with one for Union Gilloise.
When goals arrive
Union Gilloise have scored their goals across the 16-30, 31-45 and 46-60 minute windows, with no goals conceded. Real Sociedad scored their only goal in the 46-60 minute window, while conceding once in each of the 0-15 and 16-30 minute windows.
Goal environment
Both Union Gilloise and Real Sociedad have seen all of their matches this season go over 2.5 goals. Union Gilloise's matches have averaged three goals, while Real Sociedad's have also averaged three. Both sides have seen all their first-half matches go over 1.5 goals, while neither has seen a second half go over 1.5 goals.
How this match is likely to be shaped
Union Gilloise's large attacking edge and strong defensive start make them the more likely side to control this match. Real Sociedad's recent away form has been mixed, with two wins and two losses in their last four away matches. The market prices the home side as the favourite, with a 40% implied probability of a Union Gilloise win.