Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad Predictions

• Sociedad have won their last three in La Liga.
• Bilbao have won just one of their last 11 in normal time across all comps.
• Sociedad have gone nine games without a clean sheet.

La Real can raid San Mames

Athletic Bilbao saw their Champions League hopes ended in midweek as they went down 3-2 at home to Sporting and they now face the tricky test of a Basque derby with Real Sociedad at San Mames on Sunday.

Both of these sides have endured disappointing seasons but Sociedad have found a bit of form and a late run towards the European places isn’t off the table. La Real are unbeaten in seven across all competitions, beating Barcelona and drawing with Atletico Madrid during that run.

In contrast, Bilbao are out of form with just one win in normal time in their last 11 games across all competitions. They led 2-1 against Sporting on Wednesday but conceded two second half goals, one in injury time, when progress to the play-off round was within their grasp and they may struggle to pick themselves up for this game against a visiting team who have had a few extra days to prepare.

Sociedad won the reverse fixture 3-2 back in November and the form of both sides suggests they can complete a rare league double over their Basque rivals, and end a five-game losing run at this venue.

Sociedad have been in fine form but clean sheets have been an issue. The visitors have gone nine games without a shut-out and both teams have scored in Bilbao’s last five, so a 2-1 win for the visitors seems a reasonable score prediction.

Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice for Sociedad in the win over Celta Vigo last time out and was also on target in the win over Barcelona. The Spain international looks the best contender for an anytime effort on Sunday.