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Kick-off: Sunday, 21 February @17:15 GMT
Venue: San Mames Barria (Bilbao)
Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-US)
Head to head record
Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao 0-0 (2015/2016 La Liga)
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad 1-1 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao 1-1 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad 1-1 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao 2-0 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad prediction
The two local rivals Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad take on each other at San Mames Barria on Sunday night. There will be fireworks when the two teams face each other in the local derby and it remains to be seen if La Real are capable of extending their winning run to four games.
Lions are tough to beat at home
Athletic Bilbao will be looking to build on the Europa League win over Marseille when they host Real Sociedad at their San Mames Barria on Sunday. Aritz Aduriz scored a wonder goal in the triumph over the Ligue 1 outfit and the experienced forward will be aiming to add more goals to his account when Athletic take on Real Sociedad in Sunday’s Basque derby. Ernesto Valverde’s team are a real force to be reckoned with at home and you should have in mind that they suffered their last defeat in front of home fans on 23 September. Athletic Bilbao are eyeing a place in the European competitions and no doubt the hosts will go all guns blazing at La Real in the San Mames showdown. The Lions suffered a 4-2 loss to Real Madrid in their last league game, but they are definitely capable of grabbing something from Sunday’s derby.
Inaki Williams returns to the starting line-up after missing the Real Madrid game through suspension. The likes of Raul Garcia, Iturraspe, VIguera and Ibai Gomez are all likely to miss the game with injury. Etxeita is banned.
La Real scoring goals for fun
Real Sociedad were struggling to find their best form under David Moyes and nobody was surprised when the former Everton boss got fired. The Basque side have been producing much better showings ever since Eusebio Sacristan took over the reins and it has to be noted that they are on a three-match winning run ahead of the local derby. Real Sociedad scored 10 goals in last three league games and the team’s top flight status is no longer in danger. Eusebio Sacristan’s men are nine points clear of the relegation zone, but the team’s new goal is to book a place in European competitions. Anyhow, given Athletic Bilbao’s impressive home record, the visitors will be more than happy with one point from Sunday’s game. Jonathas has been scoring goals for fun in recent weeks and he is likely to prove a handful for the opposition defenders.
Sergio Canales, Carlos Martinez and Imanol Agirretxe are all out of contention through injury, but coach Sacrisan has no other selection worries ahead of the trip to Bilbao.
Quick Facts
- Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten in eight consecutive home games
- Lions scored nine goals in previous four home fixtures
- Real Sociedad are eyeing their fourth consecutive win in La Liga
- Bilbao failed to beat La Real in previous seven meetings between the two teams
- The two teams shared the spoils in previous four meetings in La Liga
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad betting tip
Athletic Bilbao have been producing thrilling performances this season and given that top scorer Aritz Aduriz is in the form of his life, there is every chance the hosts are likely to find the net in Sunday’s derby. Real Sociedad have been impressive in front of goal of late and, taking everything into account, both teams to score bet should be considered.
Tip: Both teams to score
Odds: 1.80 (4/5) @bet365
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