Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad predictions, H2H and match preview for this Friday’s Basque derby in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups as both sides look to improve on slightly disappointing starts.
DATE/TIME – Friday 5th October 2018, 21:00 (Spanish Time)
STADIUM – San Mames
COMPETITION – La Liga
When it comes to Basque derbies, this is the big one as the region’s two biggest clubs meet. There is an element of friendliness to the rivalry, which is in some respects reminiscent of the Merseyside derby in England. Athletic’s recent signing of Inigo Martinez from La Real and their pursuit of another young Sociedad star Mikel Oyarzabal this summer has perhaps soured that a bit though and there should be a real edge to the fixture.
Athletic could really do with a victory given they’ve not collected three points since the opening day of the season. Since then they have seen one game postponed and got decent draws against both Barcelona and Real Madrid. However their ability to throw away 2-0 leads to only draw against Huesca and Betis will be a source of immense frustration to Eduardo Berizzo.
Things aren’t going much better across the Basque coast in San Sebastian. Mauricio Pellegrino’s men are yet to win in their new look stadium. However they’ve been a bit better on their travels with victories at Villarreal and Huesca ensuring they are a point better off than their rivals heading into this one.
It’s a game that is guaranteed to generate a good atmosphere at San Mames and it certainly won’t be one of those Friday games that struggles to burst into life. Both sides need a result besides the fact it is a derby and victory in such an important game would be a huge boost to either coach as they look to immerse themselves into the culture of their new clubs.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad Predictions
Score Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Athletic are the favourites although only really because they have home advantage. That hasn’t counted for too much of late for them though with just 2 wins in their last 9 league outings at San Mames. With Sociedad playing better away, they look well capable of getting a result, something they have tended to do in Bilbao in recent years. An even contest looks likely and don’t be surprised if this one ends level.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad H2H
- Last 6 meetings: 2 Athletic Wins, 2 Sociedad Wins, 2 Draws
- Sociedad took 4 points off Athletic last term.
- The meeting at San Mames ended goalless.
- Sociedad have only lost on 1 of their last 5 trips to San Mames.
One to Watch – Mikel Oyarzabal
Así apretará las tuercas la Real Sociedad al acomodado Oyarzabal https://t.co/yOkNZZWOw5 pic.twitter.com/qaDzpHkrNR
— Fútbol TOP (@losTOPdelFUTBOL) October 2, 2018
Sociedad have been angered by Athletic trying to sign their best Basque players in recent years and they will see their ability to hold onto Mikel Oyarzabal this summer as a coup with Athletic hungry to sign the 21 year old. The talented winger could just show them what they missed out on here.
Keep tabs on all our La Liga predictions this weekend.
Next in La Liga: Girona vs Eibar Predictions & Preview
Predicted Line Ups
Athletic Bilbao Team:
Simon – De Marcos, Alvarez, Nolaskoain, Balenziaga – Etxebarria, Dani Garcia, Raul Garcia – Susaeta, Williams, Yuri (4-3-3)
Sociedad Team:
Rulli – Rodrigues, Moreno, Navas, Elustondo – Pardo, Zubeldia, Illarramendi, Oyarzabal – Sandro, Willian Jose (4-4-2)
by Dave Hodgson
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