Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 39/20
Bookmaker: ZetBet
The latest chapter of the Basque derby unfolds at San Mames on Sunday night as Athletic Bilbao host regional rivals Real Sociedad in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Athletic sit sixth in the La Liga standings, having amassed 20 points from their first 13 matches, while Real Sociedad, with 18 points from the same number of games, occupy eighth place.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilb/ao enter the Basque derby on a six-game unbeaten streak, though they have drawn their last three La Liga matches against Mallorca, Real Betis, and Real Valladolid. Their most recent league win came on October 19 against Espanyol, leaving Ernesto Valverde’s side searching for their first top-flight victory in over a month.
Despite their league struggles, Athletic have excelled in Europe, claiming wins over Slavia Prague and Ludogorets in the Europa League, where they currently sit sixth overall. In La Liga, they hold sixth place with 20 points from five wins, five draws, and three losses, sitting just four points behind fourth-placed Villarreal.
At San Mames, Athletic have earned 12 points from seven home matches but face a Real Sociedad team with the fourth-best away record in La Liga, collecting 11 points from six games.
Athletic triumphed 2-1 in the corresponding fixture last season and haven’t lost at home to their Basque rivals in La Liga since December 2020.
Team News
Bilbao have received a significant boost ahead of the Basque derby, with first-choice goalkeeper Unai Simon confirming his availability for selection.
Simon, who underwent wrist surgery following his participation in Euro 2024, has recovered and is expected to start in goal this weekend.
Additionally, Inaki Williams and Oihan Sancet are likely to return after missing the match against Real Valladolid before the international break, potentially giving Athletic a fully fit squad for the first time this season.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad’s season may not have started as expected, but they are showing signs of improvement, and they entered the November international break on a high with a massive win.
A 33rd-minute goal from Sheraldo Becker secured a 1-0 victory over La Liga leaders Barcelona, lifting La Real to eighth in the table with 18 points from 13 matches. The win moved them just two points behind sixth-placed Athletic Bilbao, keeping them firmly in contention for European spots.
Imanol Alguacil’s side has been solid defensively, conceding just 10 goals in 11 league matches, with only Atletico Madrid having a better defensive record. Real Sociedad also triumphed 5-0 over Jove Espanol in the Copa del Rey to progress to the second round.
With three wins from their last four matches across all competitions, La Real now look ahead to two significant home fixtures: hosting Ajax in the Europa League and Real Betis in La Liga.
Team News
Igor Zubeldia and Orri Oskarsson remain doubts for the derby, while Martin Zubimendi and Hamari Traore have been ruled out of the match.
Zubimendi’s absence is particularly significant, as the in-demand midfielder sustained a muscular issue while on international duty with Spain during the November break.
Sergio Gomez, who found the net in the Copa del Rey on Thursday, is expected to replace Zubimendi in the starting lineup. If Zubeldia passes a late fitness test, this may be the only change to the side that faced Barcelona.
Conclusion
There hasn’t been a La Liga draw between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad since October 2021, with the last five meetings in Spain’s top flight all producing a winner. However, with both teams in decent form but facing key challenges, it’s hard to back either side with real confidence. As a result, the points may ultimately be shared in a low-scoring draw.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 39/20
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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