All eyes will be on San Mames as two Basque teams battle for supremacy in the 22nd round of La Liga on Sunday, 1 February 2026.
View our free Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad predictions below.
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Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad predictions: Visitors to emerge victorious
Key stats
- Real Sociedad have won four games in a row.
- Athletic Bilbao suffered three defeats in their last four matches.
- Both teams were on the scoresheet in Bilbao's last five matches and in Sociedad's last eight games.
Correct score prediction: Athletic Bilbao 2-3 Real Sociedad
These teams are on opposite sides in terms of recent form. On one hand, Real Sociedad are currently on a four-match winning streak and are unbeaten in their last seven games across all competitions.
In contrast, Athletic Bilbao are coming off back-to-back defeats and have lost three of their last four games.
Keeping in mind that Bilbao also lost four of their last five La Liga games, we are confident that Real Sociedad will claim all the spoils, despite being the underdogs.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies favour Athletic Club
- HOME: 23/20 (2.15) – 46.5%
- DRAW: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
- AWAY: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Real Sociedad followed their impressive victory against Barcelona with a 3-1 win over Celta Vigo last weekend. They have now won four in a row, despite finishing with 10 men in their last two.
On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao are coming off a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League. They will turn their attention to La Liga, where they are currently on a five-match winless streak (D1, L4).
At the time of publishing, Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao are eighth and 14th in La Liga, respectively.
Bearing that in mind, Athletic Bilbao are the expected winners at 23/20 (2.15). Teams with these odds generally have a 46.5% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad predictions.
We have also pointed out that Athletic Bilbao's last five games and Real Sociedad's last eight matches featured goals at both ends. For this reason, BTTS – Yes has an appealing look at 9/10 (1.90). That one has a 52.6% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Even contest
In the last five skirmishes between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad, but teams have two wins apiece with a draw between them.
Spain La Liga 01/11/25
Real Sociedad
Athletic Bilbao
Spain La Liga 04/05/25
Real Sociedad
Athletic Bilbao
Spain La Liga 24/11/24
Athletic Bilbao
Real Sociedad
Spain La Liga 13/01/24
Athletic Bilbao
Real Sociedad
Spain La Liga 30/09/23
Real Sociedad
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao preview: Plagued by injuries
The injury gods continue to be unkind to Athletic Club this season, as they are yet to enter any matchday with an injury-free squad.
For this clash with their biggest rivals, Unai Eguiluz, Benat Prados and Inaki Williams are both ruled out with injuries, while Aymeric Laporte, Oihan Sancet and Daniel Vivian are all doubtful.
Inigo Lekue will serve a one-match ban here, even as Yeray Alvarez continues his nine-month-long ban from football due to doping.
Predicted lineup: Simon (GK), Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche, De Galarreta, Jauregizar, Navarro, Sancet, N. Williams & Guruzeta.
Last five matches
- Athletic Bilbao 2-3 Sporting CP
- Sevilla 2-1 Athletic Bilbao
- Atalanta 2-3 Athletic Bilbao
- Mallorca 3-2 Athletic Bilbao
- Cultural Leonesa 3-4 Athletic Bilbao
Real Sociedad preview: Eyeing their fifth consecutive win
Exciting winger Takefusa Kubo is the only confirmed injury absentee for Sociedad ahead of the game, but Yangel Herrera and Arsen Zakharyan could also be unavailable as they remain touch and go due to fitness issues.
Duje Caleta-Car received a red card last time out and so serves a one-match ban this weekend, but Carlos Soler will be available in midfield for the visitors, having returned from suspension.
Predicted lineup: Remiro (GK), Aramburu, Martin, Zubeldia, Gomez, Turrientes, Soler, Barrenetxea, Mendez, Guedes & Oyarzabal.
Last five matches
- Real Sociedad 3-1 Celta Vigo
- Real Sociedad 2-1 Barcelona
- Real Sociedad 2-2 Osasuna
- Getafe 1-2 Real Sociedad
- Real Sociedad 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Player to watch: Mikel Oyarzabal
Mikel Oyarzabal put in a man-of-the-match performance last time out, scoring a brace in Real Sociedad's 3-1 victory over Celta Vigo. The 28-year-old has now scored in back-to-back games and will look to extend his scoring run to three matches.