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Bournemouth begin their first-ever European campaign against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena in the Europa League on Thursday night.
The Cherries finished in sixth place in the Premier League last season to qualify for the competition proper.
Meanwhile, Sociedad are no strangers to European football, but did miss out last term.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Real Sociedad vs. Bournemouth key stats
- Sociedad have won just once in seven home games (D3, L3).
- Bournemouth have won just once in all competitions this season (D3, L1).
- Both H2Hs in 2025 finished as draws.
Real Sociedad vs Bournemouth — Tale of the Tape
| Real Sociedad | vs | Bournemouth |
|---|---|---|
| 12th (LaLiga) | Position | 15th (Premier League) |
| 7 | Points | 3 |
| 6 | Goals For | 6 |
| 11 | Goals Against | 7 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 14th | Home / Away Rank | 14th |
After winning the Copa del Rey last season, Sociedad have their eyes on more silverware in the Europa League.
Pellegrino Matarazzo will be aware of the strong competition though, especially from Premier League opposition.
Indeed, the last two winners have been from the English top flight, so La Real know Bournemouth will provide a stellar test.
They will have to play without Jon Aramburu too, who is suspended, while there are also a couple of injuries in the ranks.
As for Bournemouth, Tyler Adams is an injury doubt, and could join four other players on the sidelines including star attacker Eli Junior Kroupi.
Marco Rose will be taking charge of his first European game for the Cherries, but is no stranger to managing in European football himself.
Nonetheless, it will be a historic match for the visitors, who at least come into this contest on a four-game unbeaten run.
It will not be easy though away from home, although the bookies have them as favourites.
Real Sociedad vs. Bournemouth form guide & betting tips
| Real Sociedad | vs | Bournemouth |
|---|---|---|
LWDWL |
Form | LDDWD |
| 6 | Goals For | 10 |
| 10 | Goals Against | 7 |
N/A |
Europa League | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Real Sociedad 2-2 Bournemouth
Bournemouth are 142/100 (2.42) favourites with bookies, but given their stuttering form, we fancy Sociedad to get a result on home soil.
The Draw at 13/5 (3.60) certainly appeals, while BTTS – Yes at 8/13 (1.62) is a safer pick having come through in all four of Bournemouth's Premier League games this season.
Over 3.5 goals at 15/8 (2.88) is our final bet, as the Cherries' last three matches in all competitions have seen four or more goals.
Overall, we are predicting a 2-2 draw, which is available at 12/1 (13.00).
> BTTS – Yes at 8/13 (1.62) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 3.5 goals at 15/8 (2.88) | Likelihood: Possible
> Draw at 13/5 (3.60) | Likelihood: Outsider