All eyes will be on Reale Arena as two Basque sides battle for supremacy in the 11th round of La Liga on Saturday, 1 November 2025.
View our free Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao predictions below.
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Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao predictions: A few cards expected
Key stats
- At least five cards were awarded in six of the last eight competitive Basque derbies.
- Athletic Bilbao have no wins in their last eight trips to this stadium.
- Only one team has more corners than Real Sociedad in La Liga this season.
Correct score prediction: Real Sociedad 1-0 Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao have had an atrocious run of results on the road, losing nine of their last 11 away games across all competitions. They also have a poor track record against Real Sociedad at this stadium, with a 0-3-5 win-draw-loss record in their last eight trips to Reale Arena.
Keeping in mind that Real Sociedad won three of their last four games across all competitions, we are leaning toward the hosts for the win.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Sociedad are slightly favoured
- HOME: 17/10 (2.70) – 37%
- DRAW: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
- AWAY: 7/4 (2.75) – 36.4%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Real Sociedad extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to four games with a 3-0 victory at Negreira earlier this week.
In La Liga, Sergio Francisco's troops are just above the relegation zone in 17th place, while Athletic Bilbao are ninth in the Spanish top flight with a 4-2-4 win-draw-loss record.
Ahead of this clash, Real Sociedad are the expected winners at 17/10 (2.70). Teams with these odds generally have a 37% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao predictions.
Also, keeping in mind that at least one team failed to score in four of the last five Basque derbies, BTTS – No has an appealing look at 3/4 (1.75). That one has a 57.1% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Athletic Club have bragging rights
Although Athletic Bilbao were victorious in three of the last five skirmishes between these outfits (D1, L1), they have no wins in the last eight H2Hs at this stadium, stretching back to March 2017.
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
Spain La Liga 15/04/23
Athletic Bilbao
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad preview: Looking to improve their fortunes
Iceland international Orri Steinn Oskarsson remains the only confirmed absentee for this game, with the 21-year-old centre forward yet to recover from a thigh injury, while Japan international Takefusa Kubo (ankle problem) and holding midfielder Yangel Herrera are both doubtful, with the latter coming off injured in Real Sociedad’s victory over Sevilla last weekend.
Predicted lineup: Remiro (GK), Aramburu, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Munoz, Soler, Gorrotxategi, Herrera, Guedes, Oyarzabal & Barrenetxea.
Last five matches
- Negreira 0-3 Real Sociedad
- Real Sociedad 2-1 Sevilla
- Celta Vigo 1-1 Real Sociedad
- Real Sociedad 2-0 Osasuna
- Real Sociedad 0-1 Rayo Vallecano
Athletic Bilbao preview: A king list of absentees
Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, will remain without Unai Eguiluz and Benat Prados on Saturday due to cruciate ligament injuries, while veteran forward Inaki Williams misses out because of a groin problem.
Watching the team suffer their fourth La Liga defeat of the season, experienced defender Inigo Lekue, who was substituted off for an injury during the first half, could not contain his emotions from the bench and picked up a red card for it. Lekue and Yeray Alvarez are also suspended for this trip, with the latter serving a doping ban.
Predicted lineup: Simon (GK), Berchiche, Laporte, Vivian, Areso, Juaregizer, Galarreta, N. Williams, Navarro, Berenguer & Guruzeta.
Last five matches
- Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Getafe
- Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Qarabag
- Elche 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
- Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Mallorca
- Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
Player to watch: Mikel Oyarzabal
Mikel Oyarzabal put in a man-of-the-match performance last weekend, scoring a brace in Athletic Bilbao's 2-1 victory over Sevilla. The 28-year-old has four goals in his last five appearances for club and country and will fancy his chances against his team's biggest rivals.