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

The home side have picked up 12 points from their seven league games this season to sit fifth in the table, while Athletic are fourth, boasting 14 points from their opening seven matches.

Match preview

Real Sociedad have won three, drawn three and lost one of their seven league matches this term, with a total of 12 points leaving them in fifth position in the table, two points behind fourth-placed Athletic.

The White and Blues actually drew their opening three La Liga games of the campaign, but they have now been victorious in three of their last four, including their last two against Getafe and Valencia.

Imanol Alguacil's side also drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in their opening Champions League group-stage fixture on September 20, meaning that they have only lost once in all competitions this season, which came away to Real Madrid immediately after the international break.

Real Sociedad will now host Athletic, looking for a third league win in a row, before switching their attention back to Europe, facing a trip to Austria to take on Red Bull Salzburg next week.

La Real recorded a 3-1 win over Athletic in the corresponding match between the two sides last season, but they have only been victorious in one of their last five La Liga fixtures with their Basque rivals.

Athletic's form this season has been impressive, boasting a record of four wins, two draws and one defeat from their seven matches, which has left them in fourth position in the table on 14 points.

The Lions actually lost their campaign opener at home to Real Madrid but are unbeaten since, winning four of their last six, including away successes over Osasuna and Alaves.

Ernesto Valverde's side will enter this contest off the back of a 2-2 draw with Getafe on Wednesday, with the hosts twice leading at San Mames and twice being pegged back by their opponents.

The goals have been spread around this season, but Inaki Williams has four in his seven appearances, with the 29-year-old in strong form at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

Athletic have not finished in the top four since the 2013-14 campaign, claiming eighth in their last two seasons, but they look well-equipped to sustain a push for the Champions League spots this term, and there is simply no downplaying the importance of Saturday's all-Basque contest.

Real Sociedad La Liga form:

D

D

W

L

W

W

Real Sociedad form (all competitions):

D

W

L

D

W

W

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:

W

W

D

W

W

D

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Team News

Real Sociedad will again be missing Martin Merquelanz on Saturday due to a knee injury, while Arsen Zakharyan remains a major doubt due to illness.

Head coach Alguacil made two half-time changes against Valencia, with Alvaro Odriozola and Martin Zubimendi coming into the side, and the pair are likely to be named in the XI here.

Brais Mendez, Robin Le Normand, Igor Zubeldia and Takefusa Kubo are also in line for recalls on Saturday, while Andre Silva, who is now back from injury, will be bidding to make his debut for the club.

Athletic are again expected to be without the services of key attacker Nico Williams due to a muscular problem, and it is currently unclear when the Spaniard will be able to return.

Peru Nolaskoain and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta are also unavailable due to injuries, while Oihan Sancet is suspended due to the red card that he picked up against Getafe last time out.

Yeray Alvarez is likely to be introduced into the defence for the Basque derby, while the experienced Iker Muniain is expected to be the player to benefit from the absence of Sancet.

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:

Remiro; Odriozola, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Munoz; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Kubo, Fernandez, Oyarzabal

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:

Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Yuri; D Garcia, Vesga; I Williams, Muniain, Berenguer; Guruzeta

We say: Real Sociedad 1-1 Athletic Bilbao

This has all of the makings of a very interesting match, with both sides in strong form in the early stages of the season. It would not be a surprise to see a winner here either way, but we just have a feeling that the two teams will share the points on Saturday.

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