Real Sociedad
Athletic Bilbao
07 April 2021
20:00 UK/ 21:00 CET
La liga
Reale Arena
Athletic Club will be aiming to get their revenge on Real Sociedad for the defeat in the Copa del Rey final when the two teams take on each other in a postponed La Liga clash.
This time out the two Basque outfits face each other in San Sebastian, and yet another close encounter is on the cards.
All Guridi, Illaramendi, Moya, Sangalli, Sola, and Zaldua are likely to miss the game for the hosts, but key players should be fit to face the Lions.
Athletic Club aim to keep their Europa League hopes alive, but seeing that Real Sociedad are a real force to be reckoned with at home, we predict that the visitors will return to Bilbao empty-handed.
Both Nolaskoain and Zarraga are likely to miss the game with injuries, but there are no suspended players in the away team ahead of the Basque derby.
Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao: Head-to-head (h2h)
Teams Real Sociedad Athletic Bilbao played so far 39 matches.
Real Sociedad won 15 direct matches. Athletic Bilbao won 15 matches. 9 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.67 goals per Match.
Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
Real Sociedad in actual season average scored 1.36 goals per match. In 15 (75.00%) matches played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In 9 (45.00%) matches in season 2021 played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
Athletic Bilbao average scored 1.44 goals per match in season 2021. In 19 (82.61%) matches played away was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In 15 (65.22%) matches played away team was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
Team News:
While Alguacil should have the majority of his core players available, the squad has been damaged by several injuries over the course of the season.
Jon Guridi and veteran goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya both continue spells on the sidelines, while Luca Sangalli remains out of contention with a long-term knee injury.
Midfielder David Silva was absent from the squad for the league game against Barcelona, but the former Spanish international returned to the starting 11 for the Copa del Rey final, securing his first piece of silverware since his move from Manchester City.
Alexander Isak will lead the line for La Real, having netted 12 goals in 24 La Liga games this season.
He will be supported by Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted his 12th goal of the season to secure the Copa del Rey final win from the penalty spot.
Athletic Bilbao have managed to keep their squad in good shape this campaign, with Oier Zarraga potentially the only absentee through injury.
Captain Iker Muniain looked dejected after the cup final defeat, and he will be desperate to see his side return to their best.
The Spaniard remains a crucial member of the Athletic squad, having registered five goals and four assists in La Liga action so far this campaign.
Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Remiro; Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Monreal; Silva, Zubimendi, Merino; Oyarzabal, Isak, Portu
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; De Marcos, Alvarez, Martinez, Berchiche; Berenguer, Lopez, Vesga, Muniain; Williams, Garcia