Preview: Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao - prediction, team news, lineups

Real Sociedad are currently third in the table, boasting 32 points from their opening 16 matches of the season, while Athletic are seventh, six points behind their opponents this weekend.

Match preview

Real Sociedad have been impressive in La Liga this season, winning 10, drawing two and losing four of their 16 matches to collect 32 points, which has left them in third position in the table.

Imanol Alguacil's side have won each of their last six matches in all competitions, including their last three in the league against Sevilla, Osasuna and Almeria to cement themselves in the top four.

Real Sociedad have also progressed in the Copa del Rey, with the Basque outfit due to take on Mallorca in the last-16 stage of the competition on January 14, while they have qualified for the knockout round of the Europa League, so it will be a busy few weeks for the club.

The White and Blues have finished sixth, fifth and sixth in their last three La Liga campaigns, failing to finish in the top four since 2012-13, so it would be an impressive achievement to return to the Champions League spots.

Real Sociedad have faced Athletic on 150 occasions in La Liga, and it is the latter that boast the most wins, triumphing on 60 occasions, while Real Sociedad have 51 victories.

Last season, the points were shared in a 1-1 draw in the corresponding contest, but Athletic ran out 4-0 winners when the two teams locked horns at San Mames in February.

Athletic will enter this match off the back of a goalless draw with Osasuna on Monday, which left them in seventh position in the table on 26 points, two points behind fourth-placed Real Betis.

The Lions have won seven, drawn five and lost four of their 16 league games this term, and they will also be hoping to launch a challenge for the top four in the final months of the campaign.

Ernesto Valverde's side have also progressed in the Copa del Rey, recording a 6-1 victory over Eldense on January 5, and they will take on Espanyol in the last-16 stage of the competition.

Athletic last finished in La Liga's top four in 2013-14, while they were eighth last term, which followed 11th and 10th in 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively.

Valverde's team have picked up nine points from their seven away league games this term, recording just two wins in the process, but Real Sociedad have only won half of their eight La Liga matches in front of their own supporters, suffering two defeats.

Real Sociedad La Liga form:

L

L

D

W

W

W

Real Sociedad form (all competitions):

W

L

W

W

W

W

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:

L

W

L

W

D

D

Athletic Bilbao form (all competitions):

L

W

W

D

W

D

Team News

Real Sociedad could have Benat Turrientes and Mohamed-Ali Cho back from injury for this match, but Umar Sadiq, Martin Merquelanz and Alex Sola remain on the sidelines due to fitness problems.

The home side will be boosted by the return of Brais Mendez from suspension, while Mikel Oyarzabal could come in for a start, having recently recovered from a long-term knee injury.

Takefusa Kubo and Asier Illarramendi could be the players to make way for Mendez and Oyarzabal, with Alexander Sorloth set to keep hold of his spot in the final third of the field.

As for Athletic, Inigo Martinez remains a major doubt due to a foot injury, and it does appear that the central defender will miss out on a spot in the squad for the Basque derby.

Head coach Valverde could freshen his midfield by bringing in Dani Garcia, but Gorka Guruzeta is again expected to lead the line, with Iker Muniain and Alex Berenguer on the bench.

Nico Williams and Inaki Williams will also be in the starting side for Athletic, who will be bidding to win away to Real Sociedad in the league for the first time since March 2017.

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:

Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Rico; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; D Silva; Sorloth, Oyarzabal

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:

Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; D Garcia, Zarraga; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta

We say: Real Sociedad 1-1 Athletic Bilbao

The last two league meetings between these two sides at the home of Real Sociedad have finished level, and we are predicting another draw here. The hosts will enter the contest in excellent form, but Athletic are unbeaten in their last three Basque derbies in La Liga, and we can see a low-scoring draw here.

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