RB Leipzig vs. Real Sociedad 2/17/22 UEFA Europa League Soccer Picks, Predictions, Odds

RB Leipzig and Real Sociedad face off on Thursday in Leg 1 of their Group of 16 showdown at Red Bull Arena Leipzig. This is the first meeting ever between the two teams. 

RB Leipzig finished in the third place of Group A of the Champions League having picked up seven points. Leipzig picked up two wins, one loss, and three draws. Even though Leipzig wasn’t able to advance in the Champions League, they now have a chance to compete for a Europa League title. Coming into this game Leipzig have won five games in a row and the only loss during that stretch was against Bayern Munich. Even though they lost that game, they were able to score two goals. RB Leipzig has scored 43 goals total while their defense has given up 27 goals total in the Bundesliga. Christopher Nkunku has been the top player scoring 11 goals and adding seven assists. 

On the other side of this matchup is Real Sociedad who finished in second place in Group B of the Europa League having picked up nine points. One of the big issues for this Real Sociedad team is they have been inconsistent and it has shown in the last few games. Just three games ago against Real Betis, the defense really struggled giving up four goals. In the last game against Granada, the defense was better, not giving up a goal, and the offense scored two goals. Real Sociedad had 57 percent of the possession in that game, and eight shots on target. Real Sociedad has scored 24 goals total while the defense has given up 21 goals total. Mikel Oyarzabal has been the top player for Real Sociedad scoring eight goals and adding two assists. 

RB Leipzig is the much better team and they are a lot more consistent than Real Sociedad. This is a Real Sociedad team that’s defense has been an issue and that is something that RB Leipzig will take advantage of. Look for Leipzig to put at least 10 shots on goal and they are going to secure the victory. Back RB Leipzig to win this game on the money line.