Prediction: Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what is a real derby showdown on Saturday night, Real Sociedad will welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Anoeta Stadium.

Real Sociedad

Starting with the hosts, while Real Sociedad might have marked their return from September’s international break with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Real Madrid, Imanol Alguacil’s side have come roaring back. Last seen earlier in the week putting in an eye-catching performance as they landed a 1-0 win away at Valencia, the Royal have their sights firmly set on mounting another top-four charge this time around. Opening their Champions League adventure with a 1-1 draw against Italian giants Inter Milan on September 20th, Sociedad have lost just one of their first eight appearances across all formats. Laying down a marker last weekend as they claimed a rollercoaster 4-3 win against Getafe, Saturday’s hosts have also continued to shine on home soil. In fact, Alguacil’s men have not suffered a single La Liga defeat at the Anoeta Stadium since way back on February 5th.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single La Liga appearance so far this season, Real Sociedad will once again be without 28-year-old Martin Merquelanz here. Alguacil’s side are also still sweating over the availability of summer arrival Arsen Zakharyan.

Handed a full rest against Valencia earlier in the week, Japan international Takefusa Kubo should be handed a full return on Saturday night. Likewise, Spain international Robin Le Normand will return and partner Igor Zubeldia at the back.

Athletic Bilbao

As for the visitors, while Athletic Bilbao might have been disappointed after eventually having to settle for a 2-2 draw against Getafe earlier in the week, the mood around San Mames should still be at a real high. Despite missing out on booking a European return last season, Ernesto Valverde’s side have impressed many since opening up the 2023/24 campaign. Marking their return from September’s international break with a thumping performance as they cruised their way to a 3-0 romp at home against Cadiz, the one-time Barcelona boss finds his side in the midst of a six-match unbeaten run. Likewise, signing off August with an action-packed 4-2 victory against Real Betis, Bilbao will travel across Basque Country riding a recent wave of momentum. Likewise, landing a 2-0 win when they last met their bitter local rivals back on April 15th, the Lions will be seeking a repeat display here.

Team News

Shown a straight red card against Getafe earlier in the week, Athletic Bilbao will be unable to call upon the suspended Oihan Sancet on Saturday night. Still dealing with a long-term knee injury, 24-year-old Peru Nolaskoain still remains on the sidelines.

Once again finding the net a few days ago and now bagging three strikes in as many appearances, attacking talisman Inaki Williams will spearhead Bilbao’s charge this weekend. Spanish international shot-stopper Unai Simon will start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao last met back on April 15th, the Lions claimed a 2-0 victory at San Makes.
• In fact, Saturday’s guests have won three of their previous four showdowns against Sociedad.
• Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten in each of their previous six appearances across all formats.
• Each of Real Sociedad’s opening five home fixtures across all competitions have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Five of the last six meetings between Saturday’s opponents have finished with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

With Basque bragging rights up for grabs on Saturday night, we could be treated to another enjoyable affair from the Anoeta Stadium. Two sides who have their sights set on mounting another genuine European charge this time around, chances could fall at both ends of the pitch here. With Athletic Bilbao landing an eye-catching 2-0 win when they welcomed their bitter local rivals to San Mames back on April 15th, the two sides do have a habit of producing fireworks. It should be noted, with five of their previous six showdowns finishing with over 1.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome this weekend.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet