Wolverhampton Wanderers will take on Real Sociedad in a pre-season friendly match scheduled for 22:00 on July 25, 2026. This encounter is part of Wolves' preparations for the upcoming season, as they look to refine their squad and test new tactics following their recent relegation from the Premier League.

Wolves, known for their physical style of play and strong pressing in midfield, are determined to improve their defensive solidity, an area where they struggled last season. Despite their relegation, they remain a formidable team with several players capable of making impactful plays in the attacking third.

On the other hand, Real Sociedad enters this match after a season deemed successful, showcasing their trademark possession-based football and technical play in the midfield. The Spanish side typically maintains a high ball possession percentage, thanks to their adept midfielders who control the game's tempo. However, facing a physically robust Wolves side may pose challenges for Sociedad in executing their game plan.

While this is just a friendly match, both teams are expected to approach it with seriousness, with Real Sociedad likely to dominate possession as they would in a competitive match. Historical statistics show that Wolves averaged about 1.5 goals per game last season, while Real Sociedad scored between 1.4 to 1.6 goals per match. However, in friendly matches, scoring rates are often lower as teams tend to experiment with younger players.

In terms of corner kicks, Wolves typically earn around 5-6 corners per game, while Real Sociedad averages 4-5. Given the friendly nature of this match, both teams may adopt an open style of play, leading to an estimated 9-11 corner kicks throughout the match.

Defensively, both teams have shown a tendency for tight matches. Wolves are known for their aggressive style, while Real Sociedad employs a more controlled approach, relying on experienced midfielders to commit tactical fouls. It is anticipated that the number of cards issued will remain low, likely not exceeding three.

As for the predicted scoreline, many analysts foresee a narrow victory for Real Sociedad, with a prediction of 1-0. Both teams are expected to field their strongest lineups, with Wolves featuring players like Sam Johnstone and Hwang Hee-chan, while Real Sociedad will include stars such as Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo.

This match marks the first encounter between the two teams, setting the stage for an intriguing battle on the pitch.