Aston Villa face Real Sociedad in Walsall friendly as pundit backs high-scoring draw in pre-season clash

Aston Villa’s meeting with Real Sociedad in Walsall on Tuesday is expected to produce goals at both ends, with analyst Nasser Eddy predicting a score draw as both clubs continue their pre-season build-up.

The match, scheduled for Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 18:30 GMT at the Poundland Bescot Stadium in Walsall, will be the first ever encounter between the Premier League side and the La Liga club.

Speaking to NCI Sport and radio Nostalgie, where he presents European Champions League coverage, Eddy highlighted a draw as his main betting recommendation, priced at 3.6. He also expects both teams to score, with that outcome rated at 1.61, and suggests combining a draw with goals in a single bet, offered at 4.33. Odds quoted are subject to change.

Villa build towards Champions League return

Aston Villa head into the new campaign buoyed by a standout 2025-26 season, in which they finished fourth in the Premier League and lifted the Europa League, securing a long-awaited return to the Champions League.

The club’s hierarchy is aiming for continuity as Unai Emery prepares for a season where Villa not only want to consolidate their domestic form but also reach the knockout stages of Europe’s leading club competition.

Most of Villa’s key players remain in place despite strong interest from elsewhere and extended holidays for many after international duty. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, a recent World Cup finalist, is still at the club, as are England defender Ezri Konsa, who impressed at the tournament, forward Ollie Watkins and captain John McGinn.

Villa have also been encouraged by the returns from loan of Donyell Malen and Evann Guessand, both viewed as useful additions to the squad.

However, Emery must contend with three major departures across the pitch. Midfielder Youri Tielemans has joined Manchester United, attacker Morgan Rogers has moved to Chelsea and left-back Lucas Digne has signed for Paris SG.

Mixed pre-season but consistent in front of goal

Villa have played two warm-up matches so far. They opened pre-season with a 5-0 win over Walsall before losing 2-1 to FC Porto at Estadio do Dragao on Saturday.

Despite that defeat, Villa have scored in each of their last eight fixtures in all competitions. In their last two matches in which they conceded, they allowed the opening goal – against Manchester City on the final day of the Premier League season and again versus FC Porto.

Eddy notes an unusual recent pattern: over their past five games, Villa have alternated between keeping a clean sheet and conceding. If that sequence were to continue, they would be due a shut-out against Real Sociedad – though he believes the Spanish side are well placed to threaten that trend.

Real Sociedad riding Cup victory and scoring streak

Real Sociedad arrive in England on a positive run. They have scored in each of their last six matches, including a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, and have netted 10 goals across that period.

Their momentum is also built on winning the Copa del Rey in April and the prolific form of forward Mikel Oyarzabal, who recently became a world champion with Spain. The Basque club remain unbeaten in their two pre-season matches so far and, under head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, are aiming to carry that form into the new season.

Real Sociedad’s transfer window has been relatively quiet to this point, with the focus mainly on players returning from loan spells. A priority is to keep hold of their first-choice centre-forward, as they look for stability in attack.

Defensively, though, there are clear concerns. Last season they finished 10th in La Liga but had the joint-worst defensive record in the division. Their recent matches underline that vulnerability: in each of their last six games, both teams have scored.

Another notable trend is that in Real Sociedad’s last five fixtures, the opening goal – whether for or against them – has always come within the first 30 minutes.

Oskarsson leads the line in Oyarzabal’s absence

Real Sociedad will be without Mikel Oyarzabal in Walsall, with the forward still on holiday following Spain’s World Cup triumph. In his absence, Orri Oskarsson has taken on greater responsibility up front.

The 21-year-old Icelandic striker has scored in each of Real Sociedad’s last four matches and is widely regarded in his home country as a major prospect, with comparisons already being made to former international star Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Eddy identifies Oskarsson as Real Sociedad’s primary attacking threat for the Aston Villa game and backs him to extend his scoring streak to a fifth consecutive match. A goal for the striker is one of his suggested bets for Tuesday’s friendly.

The analyst also expects Real Sociedad to find the net before half-time, with that specific outcome priced at 2.17.

Aston Villa and Real Sociedad, both in the early stages of their summer preparations, go into the fixture with strong attacking form and defensive question marks – a combination that, in Eddy’s view, points firmly towards goals on both sides and a tightly contested draw.