Dark horses to continue good form in Europe
Real Sociedad host Napoli on matchday two of the Europa League in Group F, with Gennaro Gattuso’s men playing catchup following a defeat to AZ Alkmaar last week. The Whites and Blues have started 2020/21 very brightly, buoyed by the signature of David Silva and will be looking to press on their advantage in the standings. Having started the domestic season a little stronger than the visitors, Sociedad are good value as narrow outsiders to get over the line, with some exciting insurance angles looking the most advisable punt. The group leaders will be more motivated on Thursday evening, with a lesser league encounter at the weekend to keep their minds clear and focussed.
Battle of two widemen
In a star studded attacking lineup, Mexico international Hirving Lozano has gone somewhat under the radar since his transfer to Naples from PSV. Victor Osimhen was the marquee signing this summer and would have been expected to make a greater impact than Lozano this season, and yet the hardworking forward has stuck to his task and has produced some of the best form to date since leaving the Eredivisie.
Gattuso will be hoping that the 25-year-old can take on the mantle as Lorenzo Insigne moves beyond his peak and ensure that the club do not suffer from the loss of Jose Callejon to Serie A rivals Fiorentina. Five goals and two assists from 34 outings last term, spells a quiet campaign, but one that can be necessary when adapting to a new country and style of football. He has hit the ground running in his second season, with four goals in as many games domestically including a brace in an eye-catching 4-1 win over Gian Piero Gasperini’s excellent Atalanta side. Experienced in European football given his time at PSV, Lozano could be a huge player if Gli Azzurri are to go deep into the competition this season.
Real Sociedad’s star man is left winger and skipper Mikel Oyarzabal. The 23-year-old is building an incredible legacy at his boyhood club in the Basque country, leading them in their quest to qualify for the Champions League. With Real Madrid and Barcelona extremely lacklustre in comparison to previous powers this season, presents itself as a huge opportunity for an outsider to push for a top four finish and potentially even compete for the title. The White and Blues currently sit top of the tree and have had the best underlying process in the division so far, Oyarzabal now lining up alongside the experience and nous of David Silva, they are a force to be reckoned with.
Sociedad will raise their game to this challenge and prove a tough test for a Napoli side who failed to perform on matchday one.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Sociedad were the better team statistically, yet could not convert any of there chances and lost 1-0.