Real Sociedad have bounced back in strong style following a nervy start to the new season in recent weeks, as they have won each of their last two. They face an interesting challenge this weekend, as Athletic Bilbao are the visitors.
La Liga Preview
Two sides that are in the race for Champions League qualification this term will lock horns in La Liga this weekend. Athletic Bilbao currently sit fourth in the early standings, as they have won four of their opening seven matches this term. They come into this fixture after going five without a defeat, landing three victories over that period.
However, a response will be required from Bilbao this weekend, as they twice threw away leads in midweek before drawing 2-2 against Getafe in front of their home fans. Bilbao went ahead through Yuri Berchiche, before they went ahead for a second time through Inaki Williams in the second half. However, they were slightly hamstrung in that match, as they were reduced to ten men on the stroke of half time when Oihan Sancet was sent off.
Sociedad could jump above their rivals in the La Liga standings this weekend if they are able to pick up maximum points in front of their home fans. They should come into this fixture in good confidence, as they have won each of their previous two league fixtures.
The most recent of those was an away success against Valencia in midweek. Carlos Fernandez opened the scoring for Sociedad after 32 minutes, before Valencia’s chances of getting back into the game were negatively impacted following a red card in the 45th minute. Sociedad didn’t push for a second goal in the second period, with their winning goal ultimately being their only shot on target.
Bet hereReal Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao Head to Head
Each of the last three matches between these sides have been won by the team with home field advantage. That includes in this exact fixture last season, as Sociedad landed a 3-1 win in January. However, that remains their only win against Bilbao in the previous five league meetings between the sides.
Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
Sociedad have struggled for victories against Bilbao in recent history, and that is a pressing concern ahead of this fixture. Therefore, it could be worth siding with the draw. Two of the previous five meetings between the sides have ended level at 1-1.
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