Overview
Real Sociedad have had a difficult start to the La Liga season this year. They have only won 9 points after 10 rounds, dropping to 17th place in the rankings.
Sociedad have a record of 2 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses after 10 matches, but have recently shown signs of improvement. Sociedad have won two of their last three games in all competitions, including a 2-1 win over Sevilla in La Liga last round.
Imanol Alguacil's team continued their excitement when defeating SD Negreira 3-0 at Copa del Rey in midweek. Now, they are aiming to maintain their form with two important victories against Athletic Bilbao and Elche before the international break.
Real Sociedad - who ended last season in a disappointing 11th place - have a record not too inferior to Athletic Bilbao, with 59 wins and 68 losses after 171 encounters.
In fact, La Real have won just one of their last five meetings with Bilbao, but the two teams have drawn 0-0 in the first leg of the 2024-2025 season.
Athletic Bilbao just suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Getafe in the most recent round of La Liga, the result of which caused Ernesto Valverde's army to fall to 9th place with 14 points after 10 matches.
The Basque side have struggled to finish this season, scoring just nine goals, but showing solidity in defence with 10 goals conceded.
Bilbao are currently 4 points behind the fifth-placed Espanyol and 5 points behind the fourth-placed Atletico Madrid in the race for a ticket to the Champions League. If they do not improve their performance soon, this gap may increase.
In the European arena, the Lions have won 3 points after 3 matches in the Champions League group stage. Including a 3-1 victory over Qarabag in the most recent match - a result that helped them temporarily keep their hope of going on.
In terms of head-to-head record, Bilbao have won 2 of their last 3 home matches against Real Sociedad, but have not beaten La Real away in La Liga since March 2017.
Head-to-head record
Real Sociedad will not have the services of Orri Oskarsson, Jon Karrikaburu and Yangel Herrera due to injury, while Inaki ruperez is still doubtful to play.
Sergio Francisco rotated his squad in the most recent Copa del Rey, but key players are expected to return in the clash with Bilbao.
That includes Mikel Oyarzabal - who is currently the team's number one striker with 4 goals. Oyarzabal continues to be expected to be the main striker in Real Sociedad's attack.
On the other side of the front line, Athletic Bilbao also suffered many losses. Yeray Alvarez and Inigo Lekue are suspended, with Alvarez sidelined until April next year after failing a doping test.
In addition, Benat Prados, Unai Egiluz and Inaki Williams are all absent due to injury, while Aymeric Laporte will undergo a fitness test to determine his ability to participate.
In that context, Ernesto Valverde has little choice to change the starting lineup. Gorka Guruzeta is likely to continue playing, while Nico Williams will take on the role of winger.
Expected lineup:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Martin, Gomez, Guedes, Mendez, Gorrotxategi, Soler, Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal.
Athletic Bilbao: Simon, Areso, Paredes, Vivian, Berchiche, Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar, Berenguer, Sancet, N. Williams, Guruzeta.
The match between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao takes place at 0:30 am on November 2 (Vietnam time).
