Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad on and what time does it start? Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad will take place on Saturday 13th January, 2024 – 17:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad on in the UK? Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad in the UK? Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
ATHLETIC BILBAO
It has been a magnificent campaign for Athletic Club as the Basque giants seek a top four finish and return to UEFA Champions League football next season, especially with the likelihood of Spain getting the extra spot so fifth place will get into the competition, under the management of former Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde.
The home team, unlike a typical Valverde side, have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch in La Liga. Their 19 matches so far this season have consisted of 55 goals with only three teams having managed to score more than them. Their victory over Eibar in the cup last week means that they are unbeaten in their last 12 matches across all competitions.
REAL SOCIEDAD
Much like their arch-rivals, Real Sociedad are also competing for a top four or top five finish with potential UEFA Champions League qualification. La Real, coached by Imanol Aguacil, are one of the most intense pressing teams in Europe and do have UEFA Champions League knockout football next month so that could have an impact on the effectiveness of their performances.
They begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting sixth in La Liga at the half-way stage, sitting six points behind fourth but that can be shaved to three points on Saturday afternoon if they win at San Mames. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Basque rivals Alaves at the start of the year before edging past Malaga at the weekend.
THE TEAM NEWS
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Key man Inaki Wiilliams is away with the Ghanaian national team at the Africa Cup of Nations, whilst Yeray Alvarez is still unavailable due to injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Vesga; Berenguer, Sancet, N.Williams; Guruzeta
UNAVAILABLE: Williams (International Duty), Yeray (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Garcia (Injured)
REAL SOCIEDAD
Real Sociedad are without several key men for this weekend with Ham Traore, Umar Sadiq and Takefusa Kubo away on international duty with Alex Remiro out suspended, too.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Marrero; Munoz, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Tierney; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Zakharyan, Fernandez, Oyarzabal
UNAVAILABLE: Kubo (International Duty), Traore (International Duty), Sadiq (International Duty), Remiro (Suspended), Silva (Injured), Elustondo (Injured), Merquelanz (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
The Basque derby is one of the bucket list matches for many European football supporters and this one could be a classic with both sides in a good shape as we head into 2024. There are several players missing for this one but Real Sociedad are hit very hard with absentees. As a result of that one, especially with their home advantage, backing an Athletic victory would appear like a good value bet for this one on Saturday afternoon.
TIP: ATHLETIC TO WIN
