Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad
The Basque Derby between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad on Sunday is easily one of the top games to look forward to in the 14th matchday of the 2024-25 La Liga campaign.
Athletic Bilbao will host this highly charged affair at San Mames, and they have the edge over their visitors in the standings, sitting in sixth with 20 points.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad are in eighth place with 18 points, and a derby victory will give them bragging rights over Athletic Bilbao since they’ll surpass them in the standings.
The pre-game SBOTOP betting odds expect a close contest between Los Leones and La Real, and football fans should also get their share of La Liga 2024 highlights along the way.
Talking Points
Athletic Bilbao handed lineup boosts
Since losing 2-1 to Girona last month, Ernesto Valverde’s men have gone on a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions, but they have drawn each of their last three league games.
Athletic Bilbao have notched 12 points from their seven league matches at San Mames this season, but Real Sociedad boast the fourth-best away record with 11 points from six league matches.
It’s a good thing that Athletic Bilbao will have several key players back for this contest, and this may be the first time they have a fully-fit squad.
Los Leones fans can’t wait to see Unai Simon back between the sticks this weekend. The first-choice goalkeeper underwent a wrist surgery after playing for Spain at Euro 2024, but he has now recovered.
Julen Agirrezabala and Alex Padilla have taken turns deputising for Unai Simon, and both goalkeepers have done well.
Inaki Williams and Oihan Sancet are also available after missing the clash with Real Valladolid before the international break, strengthening their attack.
Sancet and Williams are the team’s top scorers this season with four and three goals, respectively, while the latter also has four assists under his belt.
Real Sociedad to miss key players
On the other hand, Imanol Alguacil faces a lineup dilemma, as he will likely miss up to four players against Athletic Bilbao, with Orri Oskarrson, Igor Zubeldia, Martin Zubimendi, and Hamari Traore all in the medical room.
Oskarrson arrived to La Real this summer from FC Copenhagen, and he has been a huge revelation for the team. The 20-year-old forward is one of the team’s leading scorers with two league goals and has drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
Igor Zubeldia continue to deal with a hamstring injury, while fellow central midfielder Martin Zubimendi was released from the Spain national team after hurting his hip during La Roja’s 2-1 win away against Denmark in the UEFA Nations League.
Hamari Traore is the team’s long-term absentee after the Malian international ruptured his ACL last September.
Despite this, Real Sociedad are on a two-game winning streak, and they’re keen to make it three in a row.
History
Sunday marks the 192nd edition of the Basque Derby. Athletic Bilbao have the edge in the overall head-to-heads with 79 wins, while Real Sociedad have 62 wins along with 50 draws.
The first-ever meeting between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad was in April 1909 at the Copa del Rey. Real Sociedad, known back then as Club Ciclista, won 4-2.
Athletic Bilbao have won their last three La Liga matches against Real Sociedad at San Mames, their best run at home over their derby rivals since a five-game winning streak between January 2001 and August 2005.
Ernesto Valverde’s side has a chance to register three straight La Liga wins against La Real for the first time since March 2012.
Imanol Alguacil’s side has lost three of their last five Basque Derby games against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga after notching only one loss in their previous nine league meetings with their rivals (W5, D3).
Betting Tip
The La Liga 2024 odds are in favour of the hosts winning on Sunday. Athletic Bilbao are priced at 2.21 to win, while Real Sociedad are right behind them at 3.25, and a draw is at 2.92 in the 1X2 market.
Recent meetings between these two have featured a handful of goals, and we believe that such a trend should continue this weekend, hence our recommended bet above.
Bettors can also go for Over 1.75 at 1.67, Over 2.00 at 1.91, Over 2.25 at 2.25, or even Total Goal 4-6 at 4.56 if you’re swinging for the fences. Moreover, the Correct Score of 2-1 in favour of Los Leones – the result of this exact fixture last term – has a solid offer of 9.60.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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