The highly-anticipated Basque derby returns this Sunday night as Athletic Bilbao host fierce rivals Real Sociedad at San Mames. The temperature is expected to rise during this intense La Liga clash with both teams desperately needing important points to improve their positions in the league standings.
Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Sociedad: Key Highlights
Athletic Bilbao sit sixth in La Liga on 20 points from 13 games.
Real Sociedad are a further two points back in eighth with 18 points from 13 matches.
Each of the last five Basque derbies in La Liga has seen a victor emerge.
Match Preview
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao goes into this local derby undefeated in their last six matches across all formats but have been held to three consecutive draws in the league against Mallorca, Real Betis, and Real Valladolid respectively.
Their Europa League performances are pretty solid as they won against Slavia Prague and Ludogorets. In La Liga, the Lions have accumulated five wins, five draws, and three losses, which puts them four points behind the Champions League positions.
San Mames remains a fortress for Athletic, who have picked up 12 points from seven home matches this season. Moreover, they haven’t lost to Real Sociedad at home in La Liga since December 2020.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad, under Imanol Alguacil, has finally found form in recent weeks. Their narrow 1-0 win over Barcelona before the international break highlighted their defensive solidity and the ability to dig deep for a result against tougher opponents.
Currently sitting eighth in the table, La Real has been stout on the road, owning the fourth-best away record in La Liga. Their stingy defense has let in just 10 goals in 11 matches, second only to Atletico Madrid’s seven.
Coming off a 5-0 drubbing of Jove Espanol in the Copa del Rey, Real Sociedad seeks to parlay that momentum into this pressure-cooker encounter.
Team Form
Athletic Bilbao La Liga Form: DLWDDD
Athletic Bilbao (All Competitions): WWDDWD
Real Sociedad La Liga Form: WDWLWW
Real Sociedad (All Competitions): WLWLWW
Team News
Athletic Bilbao
The Lions get a crucial boost with the inclusion of goalie Unai Simon, who has been declared fit after surgery in his wrist. In addition to the Spanish goalie, Inaki Williams and Oihan Sancet, both influential players, are back in contention after missing their last league fixture.
The likes of Simon should start between the sticks, while Williams should lead the charge up top for what could be a full-strength Athletic squad for the first time this season.
Predicted Athletic Bilbao Starting XI:
Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Boiro; Ruiz de Galarreta, Prados; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta
Real Sociedad
La Real will also have to make do without the injured Martin Zubimendi and Hamari Traore. The absence of Zubimendi in particular will be a significant one, given that he’s been an integral part of their midfield.
Injury worries aside, Sergio Gomez should come in for Zubimendi, having impressed in the Copa del Rey. There is also a late fitness test waiting for centre-back Igor Zubeldia, which may affect how they line up at the back.
Predicted Real Sociedad Starting XI:
Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Kubo, Mendez, S. Gomez, Sucic, Becker; Oyarzabal
Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Real Sociedad
While both teams can clearly win the match, recent form and injuries could even things out. A very competitive derby with both teams evenly splitting the spoils in a low-scoring draw.
