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Recommended bets
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The last two Basque derbies have both finished 1-1, both thanks to equalisers in the 89th minute or later. Overall, the last 19 meetings between these two have produced just 39 goals, just 2.04 per match.
So, under 2.5 goals is 1/2.
Draw and under 2.5 goals 12/5.
If someone is going to score, it’s likely to be Iñaki Williams. He’s 5/1 to break the deadlock and 15/8 to net anytime.
Match preview
Real Sociedad v Villarreal CF – La Liga Santander SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – DECEMBER 18: Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad breaks past Etienne Capoue of Villarreal CF during the La Liga Santander match between Real Sociedad and Villarreal CF at Reale Arena on December 18, 2021 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
This weekend’s Sunday night fixture in La Liga sees the two biggest clubs in the north go head-to-head in the Basque derby.
Back on Halloween at Anoeta, Iker Muniain’s stoppage time free-kick was spilled into his own net by Álex Remiro as Athletic Club snatched a point.
Of the two, Real Sociedad are two places and four points better off but have slid down to sixth following an astonishing start to the campaign.
Imanol Alguacil’s side were top of the table in early-November but then only won one of their subsequent 11 games.
Nevertheless, they did enjoy a rare victory last weekend, beating Granada 2-0 in San Sebastián with Mikel Oyarzabal and Rafinha on target
Then, on Thursday night, la Real took on RB Leipzig in their UEFA Europa League first knockout round first leg tie.
Robin Le Normand opened the scoring with Oyarzabal converting another penalty as they drew 2-2, leaving Sociedad in a decent position.
Before the return leg, will Real Sociedad beat their biggest rivals?
Athletic Club meanwhile haven’t played in UEFA competition since 2017/18 and ending that is certainly the aim for Marcelino’s men.
However, on Monday night, Athletic’s hopes of a top seven finish suffered a setback.
They fell 2-0 down to Mallorca before getting it back to 2-2, Raúl García and Álex Berenguer with quick-fire goals, but then lost it in the final minute.
This defeat means the Lions’ four-match unbeaten run is over and they’re eighth, below the potential European places.
Who will win this huge fixture at San Mamés?
Athletic Bilbao team news
Athletic Club v Getafe – La Liga BILBAO, SPAIN – AUGUST 20: Iker Muniain of Athletic Club reacts during the La Liga match between Athletic Club and Getafe at at San Mames Stadium on August 20, 2017 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Marcelino’s squad is stretched right now with Ander Capa, Óscar de Marcos, Unai Vencedor and Nico Williams all injured.
Without Capa and de Marcos, they’re down to third-choice right-back Iñigo Lekue.
Iker Muniain scored the dramatic equaliser in the reverse fixture and will make his 22 Basque derby appearance here.
Iñaki Williams was only on the bench at Son Moix but could come in to partner Raúl García with Oihan Sancet making way.
Real Sociedad team news
Picture4 SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad celebrates after scoring goal during the La Liga match between Real Sociedad and Villarreal CF at Estadio Anoeta on November 29, 2020 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Imanol Alguacil’s squad are at a big disadvantage having played over in East Germany as recently as Thursday.
Back up goalkeeper Mat Ryan was outstanding in the draw with RB Leipzig but Álex Remiro could return here, despite his calamitous error in the first derby this season.
Elsewhere, another former Arsenal man Nacho Monreal as well as Ander Barrenetxea and Carlos Fernández are injured.
David Silva was only on the bench in the Europa League, suggesting he’ll start this one.
Alexander Isak and Mikel Oyarzabal will lead the attack, despite only having scored four and eight La Liga goals respectively this season.
La Liga table:
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