The action continues in Spain, and after a midweek following the Spanish Super Cup, including an eagerly contested Milan derby, we return to La Liga action. There’s plenty going on in the top-flight of Spanish football this weekend, including the game that caught our eye, where Athletic Bilbao aims to continue their impressive recent form against Real Sociedad. Bilbao enjoys a hot winning streak, but will they grab another three points, or can Real Sociedad score an upset on their travels?
Our team of European football content writers has already covered some exciting games this season and is ready for another. Keep reading as we guide you through the relevant form of both sides, bring readers up to speed on the head-to-head scores, and use that information to form an educated and researched prediction on the game. Sociedad is looking for more of the same against Bilbao after beating the same opponent 3-0 back in September. Will they repeat the feat and make it two wins on the spin against Bilbao? Keep reading to find out.
Three and easy
There are many eye-catching games from Spain this week, but Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad caught our eye. Bilbao is fast becoming one of the surprise packages of the season; if they can maintain their recent form, there’s no reason why this ambitious squad can’t cement its place in the top four and secure a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League. Rubbing shoulders with the cream of the crop would do wonders for Bilbao’s confidence and finances, but there’s still much work to be done. Bilbao must hold their form and continue to win games at home.
The locals enter this game on the back of a seriously impressive and unbeaten run. They have won four and drawn one of their last five in La Liga, claiming 13 of the 15 points available, which would’ve done wonders for their confidence. Atletico is also aiming for a fourth win on the spin after completing a welcome hattrick in this competition by beating Sevilla 2-0 on the road in a seriously impressive result. Bilbao followed that win over Sevilla with an easy but expected victory away to Eibar in the Copa del Rey last time, winning 3-0 to advance to the next stage.
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Unbeaten in five
When followers of Spanish football made their predictions back in pre-season, few would’ve expected Real Sociedad to challenge for the European places. The goal at this level is to end in the top four and secure a money-spinning invitation to the Champions League, and that’s the dream for sides like Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao, with both teams in the running at this stage of the season. Sociedad has 32 points on the board, with Bilbao in fourth place, boasting 38 points. There’s still plenty of football ahead and all to play for at this level.
Sociedad’s recent form makes for interesting reading, with the visitors arriving unbeaten in their last five games. The interesting aspect of that run is there have been four draws registered, including a level finish in each of their previous three outings. The coaching staff at Real Sociedad’s intention is to make their team as difficult to beat as possible, and things are going well in that respect. The team must now learn to turn one point into three by being more clinical in the final third.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad prediction
Saturday’s game has all the ingredients of a classic from La Liga, and it promises to be a great advert for the division. Most weeks, you’d find only Real Madrid and Barcelona as the teams worth covering from Spain, but this season’s La Liga is more interesting than ever, with several teams in the running for a prize. Bilbao and Sociedad are two clubs with plenty to play for, and that will show in the quality of the 90 minutes that await.
When scanning the results of recent games involving Bilbao and Sociedad, we notice the team with the home advantage has won the last two games without conceding. Will that trend continue with Bilbao bagging a vital win to nil? It’s certainly possible, but the form of their opponents shows the locals must work hard to break Sociedad down and secure three important points.
La Liga odds
If you’re a registered member of 22Bet, you can wager on the outcome of this game with some eye-catching and generous odds available. Athletic Bilbao enjoys the home advantage, and traders think that will make all the difference, offering Bilbao at odds of 2.04 for the victory. Fancy Real Sociedad to spring a surprise and leave with all three points? Back an away win at 3.89, or trust another draw for Sociedad at 3.45.
In addition to the match-winner market, 22Bet members will also benefit from a long list of exciting gambling options on this game. Play both teams to score market, predict the first goalscorer, play half-time/full-time, the total goals, and plenty more besides. There’s a bet to suit every gambler and budget.
Make sure to bet on Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad with 22Bet!
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