Sheriff Tiraspol vs Real Sociedad – Preview, H2H, Line-ups, Prediction | UEL 2022-23

UEFA Champions League Trophy

Real Sociedad will travel to Moldova this Thursday to face Moldovan European representative Sheriff Tiraspol in the third group game of the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League (UEL) season. 

Venue: Stadionul Zimbru (Chişinău)

Key Statistics

Sheriff Tiraspol have suffered just one loss across their last seven competitive games at home (W4, D2).

They have kept five clean sheets in their last seven home games. 

The hosts have won just one of their last six UEL home games without needing extra time or penalties (90 min: D3, L2).

Real Sociedad have lost one of their last nine UEL away fixtures (W3, D5).

The visitors have lost just one of their last seven games in all competitive games (W5, D1).

They have scored 2+ goals in each of their last three games. 

Sociedad’s Alexander Sørloth has bagged four goals in his last three club appearances, two of them breaking the deadlock.

Head to head

This will be the first meeting between both sides. 

Latest performances in all competitions

Sheriff Tiraspol: W-D-L-W-W

Real Sociedad: W-W-W-L-W

Sheriff Tiraspol 

Sheriff Tiraspol will look to get back to winning ways in the Europe LEague when they welcome Group E favourites Real Sociedad to Chişinău.

The hosts suffered a 2-0 loss to Manchester United in their last UEL outing, with goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo enough to hand them a defeat. Despite the loss, they remain in a good position in this group after recording a 3-0 win over Omonia Nicosia in the first game of the group stage.

Away from their European endeavours, they are in good shape domestically. They come into this tie on the back of a 3-0 win over Sf. Gheorghe–a win that helped them open up a six-point lead at the top of the Moldovan Super Liga after just nine games.  

Having famously beaten Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu last year in the UEFA Champions League, they will fancy their chances of getting a good result against another Spanish team. Their form at home will be enough reason for them to be optimistic given that their loss to Man United was their only loss at home in their last seven games (W4, D2).

Possible Sheriff Tiraspol starting line-up

Maksym Koval; Armel Zohouri, Gaby Kiki, Stjepan Radeljic, Patrick Kpozo; Mouhamed Diop, Moussa Kyabou, Cedric Badolo; Ibrahim Akanbi, Abou Ouattara, Believe Atiemwen.

Injured: None 

Doubtful: None 

Suspended: None

Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad continued their positive start to the season with another impressive showing over the weekend.

The Spanish La Liga side defeated Girona 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller last weekend, twice coming from behind to snatch maximum points.

They will need that fighting spirit in full swing when they make the long trip to Moldova to take on a Sheriff side that have proven that they are no pushovers.

Sociedad who sit top UEL Group E after beating Man United (1-0) and Omonia Nicosia (2-1) will be targeting strong performances against their hosts to retain control of proceedings in the group. 

A win in this game will put them in a commanding position to finish top of the group ahead of Manchester United who face Omonia Nicosia in the other Group E fixture.

Having lost just one of their last nine UEL away fixtures (W3, D5) they will fancy their chances of getting another good away result in what will be their first game against Moldovan opposition.

Possible Real Sociedad starting line-up

Alex Remiro; Andoni Gorosabel, Aritz Elustondo, Jon Pacheco, Aihen Munoz; Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, Brais Mendez; David Silva, Alexander Sorloth, Takefusa Kubo.

Injured: Igor Zubeldia, Umar Sadiq, Mikel Oyarzabal, Martin Merquelanz, Robin Le Normand, Mohamed Cho, Ander Barrenetxea 

Doubtful: None 

Suspended: None

Prediction

Sheriff Tiraspol 1-1 Real Sociedad