Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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The Basque derby is perhaps one of the grandest occasions in European football, let alone just in Spain, each season as Real Sociedad take on arch-rivals Athletic Club.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / Disney+ / US – ESPN+
Real Sociedad preview: Finding some form
Real Sociedad come into this one on the back of backing up an impressive and much-needed 2-1 defeat of Sevilla last weekend by hammering lower league outfit Negreira in the first round of the Copa del Rey in midweek.
With Sergio Francisco at the helm, La Real have started this season very poorly with that defeat of Sevilla just their second league win of the campaign as they hover just outside of the bottom three and the relegation places in La Liga.
Athletic Bilbao preview: Steadily improving
With former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde returning from a touchline ban recently, Athletic Club have been much-improved of late, albeit their results have not reflected their performances.
The Basque giants come into this one on the back of a very frustrating 1-0 loss at home to Getafe at San Mames last weekend with Borja Mayoral scoring the only goal of the game in the second-half before Inigo Lekue was then sent off.
Real Sociedad team news: Key men working back
Summer signing Yangel Herrera is trying to work back to full fitness alongide Japan international Takefusa Kubo, but youngster Jon Karrikaburu is now sidelined for the hosts.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Igor Zubeldia, Jon Martin, Sergi Gomez; Guedes, Julen Gorrotxategi, Bryan Turrientes, Brais Mendez; Mikel Oyarzabal, Ander Barrenetxea
Unavailable: Jon Karrikaburu (Injured), Oskarsson (Injured)
Questionable: Inaki Ruperez (Injured), Yangel Herrera (Injured), Kubo (Injured)
Athletic Bilbao team news: Issues at the back
Inigo Lekue suffered a hamstring injury in getting sent off last week so he is both missing through suspension and injury for this one with Aymeric Laporte also a doubt due to an ankle issue.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Andoni Gorosabel, Dani Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche; Mikel Jauregizar, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta; Alex Berenguer, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams; Maroan Sannadi
Unavailable: Yeray (Disciplinary), Inigo Lekue (Suspended), Unai Egiluz (Injured), Benat Prados (Injured), Inaki Williams (Injured)
Questionable: Laporte (Injured)
Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao prediction
There is a concern for Real Sociedad that they could very much be one of the fallen giants that get dragged into a serious relegation battle this season. However, they are beginning to find some form and they will certainly have no issue motivating themselves to play an Athletic side that may well be stagnating, and also struggling to deal with the added intensity of UEFA Champions League football, and so siding with the hosts may well be the way to go for this one at the Reale Arena.
Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao tip: Double chance – Real Sociedad to win or draw
