Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club Prediction and Preview – 27/09/15
Spanish La Liga preview – Real Sociedad Vs Athletic Club prediction
For Real Sociedad, goal keeper Geronimo Rulli should return from suspension and would slot straight into the starting XI for the derby. Raul Navas and Zaldua continue to be unavailable for David Moyes. He oversaw his team pick up their first three points of the season in the mid-week and should continue the same team.
For Athletic Club, Sabin Merino could retain his place on the left after scoring a goal against Real Madrid in their last game. Raul Garcia and Artiz Aduriz will continue to be the primary striking threat up front. San Jose had a poor performance on Wednesday and could be replaced by Ander Iturraspe for the derby.
Possible Line-ups
Real Sociedad: 4-2-3-1 formation: Rulli; De la Bella, Martinez, Reyes, Elustondo; Granero, Illarramendi; Canales, Zurutuza, Vela; Agirretxe
Athletic Club: 4-2-3-1 formation: Iraizoz; Balenziaga, Laporte, Etxeita, De Marcos; Iturraspe, Benat; Merino, Garcia, Susaeta; Aduriz
Statistics
- Real Sociedad are unbeaten in the last 6 games against Ahtletic Club in all competitions
- Real Sociedad have seen under 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches against Athletic Club in all competitions
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Athletic Club’s last 3 games in La Liga
- Athletic Club have won just 1 match away from home in their last 10 matches in all competitions
- Athletic Club have seen under 2.5 goals in 7 of their last 10 matches away from home in all competitions
- Athletic Club have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 3 away matches in La Liga
Prediction
Real Sociedad recorded their first win of the season by thumping Granada 3-0 in the last match. The win eased some early season pressure on David Moyes. But, failure to win in the Basque derby could prove fatal for the Scot as tempers run high in this encounter. Sociedad isn’t known for goal scoring under Moyes but the hat-trick from Agirretxe should have given some hope.
Athletic Club lost narrowly to Real Madrid 2-1 at home in the mid-week. They still have just 3 points and are separated from relegation only by goal difference. The form of striker Aduriz is the only bright spot for team so far. Ernesto Valverde’s men have scored in all but one of their matches in the top flight this season.
Basque derbies are always difficult to call for; the form book gets thrown out and the teams battle for points very dearly. Sociedad may just have the edge considering their last match result.
Tips
Real Sociedad draw or win at 2/5 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Aduriz to score anytime for Athletic at 8/5 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Agirretxe to score anytime for Sociedad at 13/5 – Click here to bet with Bet365
What are your predictions?
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