Toulouse
Real SociedadBy Kelechi Balogun — Football expert specializing in European and American leagues
Real Sociedad Gather Momentum Ahead of Toulouse Friendly
Real Sociedad are building impressive form ahead of the new season. In their latest pre-season friendly, the Basque side put four goals past a strong Aston Villa outfit. Now they face a youthful Toulouse, whose average age barely exceeds 22. Can the inexperienced French side, under a new head coach, spring a surprise on the visitors?
Toulouse finished the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season outside the European qualification spots. This did not sit well with the club’s board, prompting a managerial change in the summer as Jens Bertel Askou took the reins. Under the Dane, “Les Violets” have played just one friendly so far, a 1-1 draw against modest Rodez. The new coach’s ideas have yet to be fully absorbed. Toulouse looked unthreatening in that match, losing the battle for shots on goal and shots on target.
Beyond the difficult weather conditions of that game, this passivity may stem from the departure of a key attacking asset in the transfer window. The club sold forward Emersonn (6 goals, 2 assists in 27 Ligue 1 appearances last season). Also departing were wing-backs Warren Kamanzi (24 games) and Djibril Sidibé (3 goals, 4 assists in 32 matches), as well as striker Frank Magri (5 goals, 1 assist in 17 outings). The gaps on the flanks of the defence were quickly filled, with the acquisitions of right-back Chris Tape and left-back Ismail Diallo. Tape has already begun his adaptation, playing the full 90 minutes against Rodez.
Ahead of that first friendly, the coaching staff could count on almost all of their strongest players. Only left-back Ilyes Aradj is in the treatment room, an absence already covered by the aforementioned Tape.
The club from San Sebastián endured a disastrous end to last season, failing to win any of their final eight La Liga matches. However, their triumph in the Copa del Rey saved the campaign, securing European football and allowing Pellegrino Matarazzo to keep his job. He arrived at the club in the winter of 2025 and began implementing a complex, unpredictable style of football. To ensure the players fully absorbed his ideas, the team cut their holidays short and have already played four friendlies. The first two were underwhelming – a defeat to French side Pau (0-1) and a draw with Racing Santander (1-1), who won Segunda Division and earned promotion to La Liga last season. But then Real Sociedad beat Wolverhampton Wanderers (2-1) and Aston Villa (4-2).
The match against the Birmingham side was a perfect embodiment of Matarazzo’s football. The Basques scored twice on fast transitions, once from a set piece, and once after a prolonged build-up. It was all very Pellegrino – unpredictable, fast, and vertical. This result was made possible, in part, by the return of key players after their holidays. The “txuri-urdin” have kept their core almost entirely intact this summer. Only three players left the club, and just one of them was a regular starter – attacking midfielder Brais Méndez (6 goals, 2 assists in 29 La Liga matches). The team has been in no rush to strengthen, with only two young defenders arriving to provide depth. Nonetheless, one of the new signings, defender Iñaki Rupérez, has already scored a goal against Villa.
Ahead of the upcoming match, the Real Sociedad coach can count on almost all of his strongest players. Wingers Gonçalo Guedes and Takefusa Kubo have returned to the squad, central midfielder Luka Sučić has been integrated into the main group before the Toulouse game, and Carlos Soler has already found the net. A significant absence is captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who is resting after the 2026 World Cup.
Toulouse (4-4-2): Restes – Messali, Koumbassa, Nicolaisen, Tape – Azizi, Vossa, Casseres, Gboho – Hidalgo, Vignolo
Unavailable: Aradj (injury)
Head Coach: Jens Bertel Askou
Real Sociedad (4-3-3): Remiro – Aramburu, Elorsa, Martin, Gomez – Herrera, Sučić, Soler – Kubo, Óskarsson, Barrenetxea
Unavailable: Odriozola (injury), Oyarzabal (rest)
Head Coach: Pellegrino Matarazzo
Main Prediction: Real Sociedad to win at 2.10
Real Sociedad enter this match as favourites, and there is every reason to believe this status is justified. Toulouse look very raw – the players are still adapting to the new coach’s demands and cannot rely on one of their main attacking assets. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, have kept their core intact, welcomed back most of their key figures, and are already displaying the football their coach wants. The Basques are genuinely unpredictable, leaving opposing defenders confused. Aston Villa already felt this effect. The less experienced and less established defenders of Toulouse are likely to make even more mistakes under such pressure. It is worth noting that the wins over the English clubs were achieved away from home, so the absence of their own fans is no obstacle for the Basques. Given that the first-choice players are expected to start rather than come off the bench, backing a Real Sociedad victory at 2.10 seems sensible.
Total Goals Prediction: Both Teams to Score – Yes at 1.66
We expect a high-scoring match. Real Sociedad have scored seven goals in four friendlies (an average of 1.75 per game). However, they have not kept a clean sheet in any of those matches. By focusing on vertical, fast attacks, the Spaniards often neglect their defence, meaning Toulouse’s youngsters will have chances to find the net. Backing both teams to score – Yes at 1.66 is the call.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Toulouse4-4-2
Real Sociedad4-3-3I believe both teams will find the back of the net, so I'm backing Both Teams to Score (Yes). The attacking quality on display and defensive vulnerabilities on both sides make this a strong pick.
I'm predicting a high-scoring game here. Both teams have been involved in open, attacking matches recently, and their defensive records suggest goals are likely. Recent head-to-head meetings have also trended towards multiple goals, so I'm confident we'll see at least three in this one.
I am confident both teams will score. They will push to exchange goals, and I expect each side to find the net.
I expect a scoring draw in this friendly match, just like in most friendlies. Both teams tend to be more open and less defensive, so a high-scoring draw is the most likely outcome. My bet is on X—a draw with goals.
Real Sociedad is the more prestigious team here, and I'm confident they'll get the win. Their quality and experience give them the edge, so I'm backing them to come out on top.
Toulouse won't lose this one. I'm confident they'll avoid defeat given their strong home form and the opponent's struggles on the road. The betting odds support this view, and the underlying numbers back it up. Simple as that.
I see these teams as evenly matched, with Real Sociedad having a slight edge in class, but since it's a friendly, I don't expect a winner. My bet is on a draw.
I expect both teams to find the net in the second half. After a likely cautious start, the pace will pick up, and we'll see at least a couple of goals as they push for a result.
I’m predicting over 2.5 goals in this friendly because both sides tend to prioritize attack over defense in these matches. The open, less cautious approach typically leads to more scoring opportunities and higher goal totals.
I'm confident in this bet—I've done the math, and the odds are in my favor. The analysis is solid, and everything points to a strong outcome here.
I’m backing this prediction for today’s games. My analysis points to a strong outcome, and I’m confident it will hit. Let’s see it through.
I predict they will break through. The momentum is undeniable, and the resistance is weaker than most expect. My analysis points to a clear outcome here.
I'm betting on the total over. Both teams have the firepower to score, and while Real Sociedad could easily get on the scoresheet, I see the overall goal count going over the line. It's a calculated risk, but I'm confident the match will deliver enough goals.
I'm confident that Toulouse will score under 1.5 goals in their next tournament match. They've done exactly that in nine consecutive tournament games, and that streak isn't a fluke—it's a clear pattern of offensive struggles. Their attack has been consistently ineffective, and I see no reason for that to change now.
I confidently predict that both teams will score before halftime today. The match setup favors early action, and I’m backing that to happen twice in the first half.
I expect a high-scoring match. My bet is over 3.5 goals.
I'm confident the away team will secure the win here. They have the edge to pull off the victory, so that's my pick.
The Spanish are in much better physical shape right now, and that gives them a clear edge. I'm confident this preparation will be the deciding factor in their performance.
I expect both teams to score—they play attacking football, and a goal exchange is very realistic.
I'm confident the Spaniards are strong and resilient in potential, and they're already showing that strength in their current form. The bet is solid—their underlying quality is real, and they're delivering on it.
I'm confident the away team will impose their game and score at least two goals. Their attacking style and form make this outcome highly likely.
I expect a high-scoring match here. Real Sociedad have already netted seven goals in four friendly matches, averaging 1.75 per game.
I confidently predict the second team to cover the 0 handicap. They have the quality to avoid defeat, making this a solid and straightforward bet.
I believe the away team has a stronger attack and will win this match.
I see every reason to bet on the total here. Both teams are just starting to find their rhythm, and that usually leads to more goals as the game opens up.
I'm betting on Toulouse to win. They'll approach this match with more focus and determination.
This match is unreadable. I'm confidently taking the bet without the over/under.
I’m confident Real Sociedad will win this match, and I also expect the total goals to exceed 2.5. Their attacking form and the opponent’s defensive vulnerabilities make this a strong bet.
I confidently predict that Real Sociedad will clinch an away victory against their opponent. Their recent form and tactical discipline give them a clear edge on the road.
Real Sociedad will take the win against Toulouse. I'm backing them to get the job done with a handicap of 0, meaning they just need to win outright. Their form and quality give me full confidence in this outcome.
I expect both teams to concede heavily here. They both get caught up in attacking play, leaving gaps at the back, and that pattern will continue. In this match, they’ll combine to let in a lot of goals.
I expect goals today, but not many. Both teams have decent defenses, and recent matches suggest a low-scoring affair. I'm betting on under 2.5 total goals.
I am confident that Real Sociedad will defeat their opponent once again.
I expect a scoring draw in this friendly match, just like in most friendlies. Both teams tend to be more open and less defensive, so a high-scoring draw is the most likely outcome. My bet is on X—a draw with goals.
Real Sociedad is the more prestigious team here, and I'm confident they'll get the win. Their quality and experience give them the edge, so I'm backing them to come out on top.
I’m backing this prediction for today’s games. My analysis points to a strong outcome, and I’m confident it will hit. Let’s see it through.
I'm confident the away team will secure the win here. They have the edge to pull off the victory, so that's my pick.
I'm confident the Spaniards are strong and resilient in potential, and they're already showing that strength in their current form. The bet is solid—their underlying quality is real, and they're delivering on it.
I believe the away team has a stronger attack and will win this match.
I'm betting on Toulouse to win. They'll approach this match with more focus and determination.
I confidently predict that Real Sociedad will clinch an away victory against their opponent. Their recent form and tactical discipline give them a clear edge on the road.
Toulouse won't lose this one. I'm confident they'll avoid defeat given their strong home form and the opponent's struggles on the road. The betting odds support this view, and the underlying numbers back it up. Simple as that.
I'm predicting a high-scoring game here. Both teams have been involved in open, attacking matches recently, and their defensive records suggest goals are likely. Recent head-to-head meetings have also trended towards multiple goals, so I'm confident we'll see at least three in this one.
I expect both teams to find the net in the second half. After a likely cautious start, the pace will pick up, and we'll see at least a couple of goals as they push for a result.
I’m predicting over 2.5 goals in this friendly because both sides tend to prioritize attack over defense in these matches. The open, less cautious approach typically leads to more scoring opportunities and higher goal totals.
I predict they will break through. The momentum is undeniable, and the resistance is weaker than most expect. My analysis points to a clear outcome here.
I'm betting on the total over. Both teams have the firepower to score, and while Real Sociedad could easily get on the scoresheet, I see the overall goal count going over the line. It's a calculated risk, but I'm confident the match will deliver enough goals.
I confidently predict that both teams will score before halftime today. The match setup favors early action, and I’m backing that to happen twice in the first half.
I expect a high-scoring match. My bet is over 3.5 goals.
I'm confident the away team will impose their game and score at least two goals. Their attacking style and form make this outcome highly likely.
I expect a high-scoring match here. Real Sociedad have already netted seven goals in four friendly matches, averaging 1.75 per game.
I see every reason to bet on the total here. Both teams are just starting to find their rhythm, and that usually leads to more goals as the game opens up.
I’m confident Real Sociedad will win this match, and I also expect the total goals to exceed 2.5. Their attacking form and the opponent’s defensive vulnerabilities make this a strong bet.
I expect both teams to concede heavily here. They both get caught up in attacking play, leaving gaps at the back, and that pattern will continue. In this match, they’ll combine to let in a lot of goals.
I am confident that Real Sociedad will defeat their opponent once again.
I'm confident that Toulouse will score under 1.5 goals in their next tournament match. They've done exactly that in nine consecutive tournament games, and that streak isn't a fluke—it's a clear pattern of offensive struggles. Their attack has been consistently ineffective, and I see no reason for that to change now.
I expect goals today, but not many. Both teams have decent defenses, and recent matches suggest a low-scoring affair. I'm betting on under 2.5 total goals.
I see these teams as evenly matched, with Real Sociedad having a slight edge in class, but since it's a friendly, I don't expect a winner. My bet is on a draw.
The Spanish are in much better physical shape right now, and that gives them a clear edge. I'm confident this preparation will be the deciding factor in their performance.
I confidently predict the second team to cover the 0 handicap. They have the quality to avoid defeat, making this a solid and straightforward bet.
Real Sociedad will take the win against Toulouse. I'm backing them to get the job done with a handicap of 0, meaning they just need to win outright. Their form and quality give me full confidence in this outcome.
I believe both teams will find the back of the net, so I'm backing Both Teams to Score (Yes). The attacking quality on display and defensive vulnerabilities on both sides make this a strong pick.
I am confident both teams will score. They will push to exchange goals, and I expect each side to find the net.
I'm confident in this bet—I've done the math, and the odds are in my favor. The analysis is solid, and everything points to a strong outcome here.
I expect both teams to score—they play attacking football, and a goal exchange is very realistic.
This match is unreadable. I'm confidently taking the bet without the over/under.
The match is on 31 July 2026 at 18:00 (local time) as part of Club Friendlies.
The main prediction is Real Sociedad to win at odds of 2.10.
Toulouse are without left-back Ilyes Aradj due to injury. Real Sociedad are missing captain Mikel Oyarzabal (rest) and defender Odriozola (injury).
Real Sociedad are favourites because they have kept their core intact, returned key players, and showed strong form in recent friendlies, including a 4-2 win over Aston Villa.
The prediction is both teams to score – Yes at 1.66, as Real Sociedad have not kept a clean sheet in friendlies and Toulouse's youngsters may find chances.
Toulouse have played only one friendly, a 1-1 draw with Rodez, and are adapting to a new coach. Real Sociedad have played four friendlies, winning their last two against Wolverhampton and Aston Villa.