RB Salzburg will welcome Real Sociedad to the Red Bull Arena Salzburg for matchday 2 of their UEFA Champions League Group D campaign, with both sides looking to win their first match, on Tuesday at 16:45 GMT.
Key Highlights
RB Salzburg’s Downturn in Form in the Austrian Bundesliga in Recent Matches
RB Salzburg warmed up for the home clash against Real Sociedad with a comprehensive 0-4 win away to Austria Lustenau in the Austrian Bundesliga. This was RB Salzburg’s 7th win of the season in the opening nine matches.
However, after opening the season with six straight wins, Salzburg have lost once, drawn once, and won once in their last three matches.
The downturn in form has allowed the chasing pack to close in on them as the Austrian Bundesliga hots up.
RB Salzburg will hope their slipups in the Austrian Bundesliga will not be translated to their European form as they prepare to host Real Sociedad on Tuesday.
They will look to build on their win against Benfica on matchday one by winning their second and taking charge of Group D.
Real Sociedad’s Exciting Start to the La Liga Campaign
Real Sociedad have won four times, drawn three times, and lost just once in the opening eight rounds of La Liga fixtures.
They have amassed 15 points and sit 4th on the table. They are six points behind leaders Real Madrid as they emerge as a top-four contender early this season in La Liga.
Bet hereSociedad have scored 16 times so far this season. This tally is bettered only by two teams in La Liga: Barcellona with 20 goals and Girona with 19 goals. Real Sociedad’s exciting and clinical start bodes well for their domestic campaign.
Crucially, their lethal attack will pose questions to their opponents in the Champions League. They will have to reduce the number of chances they concede if they are to make headway early on, especially away to RB Salzburg on Tuesday.
Real Sociedad know they will have to follow up their matchday-one draw at home to Inter with a win if they are to establish any advantage within Group D.
Injury Report
RB Salzburg
RB Salzburg have several absentees ahead of the clash on Tuesday.
Left-back Daouda Guindo is sidelined with a knee injury. The 21-year-old underwent surgery and has been out since January 27th.
Central midfielder Justin Omoregie (back trouble) and defensive midfielder Mamady Diambou (fractured arm) are also out of consideration for Tuesday’s match against Sociedad.
Salzburg will also miss the services of center-back Bryan Okoh, who is nursing a hamstring injury, and center-back Lukas Wallner, who is out with a torn ankle ligament.
Center-forward Fernando is also sidelined with adductor problems, with the 24-year-old out of the first team since September 2nd.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad will miss the services of two players ahead of the trip to Salzburg on Tuesday.
Center-forward Andre Silva is sidelined with a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old attacker has been out since May 31st, missing the whole of the start of this season.
Sociedad will also be without left winger Martin Merquelanz, who is nursing a knee injury. The 28-year-old has been out since September 11th, and no return date has been set for his fitness.
Possible Lineups
RB Salzburg
A. Schlager; A. Terzic, S. Pavlovic, O. Solet, A. Dedic; L. Gourna-Douath; A. Forson, M. Bidstrup; O. Gloukh; K. Konate, R. Simic
Real Sociedad
Alex Remiro; H. Traore, I. Zubeldia, R. Le Normand, K. Kierney; T. Kubo, M. Zubimendi, M. Merino, A. Barrenetxea; B. Mendez, S. Umar
Prediction
RB Salzburg and Real Sociedad will fight to a draw and share the points on Tuesday.
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