Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad: Predictions, Team News, and Lineups Preview
The Basque derby is set to unfold at San Mames on Sunday night, featuring Athletic Bilbao against Real Sociedad in La Liga. This matchup is highly anticipated as both teams are key competitors in the league.
Athletic Bilbao’s Current Form
Athletic Bilbao finds themselves positioned 13th in the La Liga standings, earning 24 points from 21 matches played this season. Their recent performance has been challenging, particularly after suffering a 3-2 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, ending their European campaign.
Last season, Athletic finished fourth in La Liga, but their current standing puts them perilously close to the relegation zone. They lost their last league match against Sevilla 2-1 on January 24. Coach Ernesto Valverde hopes this derby will spark a turnaround in their season. They are also focused on the upcoming Copa del Rey quarter-finals, set for February 4 against Valencia.
Recent Match Performance
- Athletic’s last five league results: WLLDLL
- Performance in all competitions: LWLWLL
Real Sociedad’s Strong Position
Real Sociedad will approach this derby with confidence, having won their last three league matches and their last four in total. They are currently eighth in the La Liga table, just three points ahead of Athletic and five adrift of sixth-placed Real Betis.
Although they faced two red cards in their last two league matches, Sociedad managed to secure victories over notable teams such as Barcelona and Celta Vigo. Their recent form includes a 3-2 win against Athletic in the earlier match this season.
Recent Match Performance
- Real Sociedad’s last five league results: LDDWWW
- Performance in all competitions: DDWWWW
Team News and Player Availability
Athletic Bilbao will miss Inigo Lekue due to suspension, while injuries will keep Inaki Williams, Maroan Sannadi, Benat Prados, Unai Egiluz, and Oihan Sancet out of the lineup. Central defender Dani Vivian may return, yet Nico Williams remains doubtful due to groin pain.
On the other side, Real Sociedad’s injuries include Inaki Ruperez, Takefusa Kubo, and Unai Marrero. Duje Caleta-Car will also be unavailable due to suspension. Mikel Oyarzabal is in excellent form, having scored eight goals and provided three assists in 18 league appearances this season.
Predicted Lineups
Athletic Bilbao’s Possible Starting XI
- Simon
- Areso
- Paredes
- Vivian
- Berchiche
- Ruiz de Galarreta
- Jauregizar
- Berenguer
- Navarro
- Gomez
- Guruzeta
Real Sociedad’s Possible Starting XI
- Remiro
- Aramburu
- Martin
- Zubeldia
- Gomez
- Gorrotxategi
- Soler
- Guedes
- Mendez
- Barrenetxea
- Oyarzabal
In our analysis, it is anticipated that Real Sociedad may secure a victory against Athletic Bilbao, given their recent form and player availability. The prediction for this intense derby is Athletic Bilbao 1, Real Sociedad 2.
