Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction and Betting Tips

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Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao

La Liga, KO: 8:00 p.m. April 7, 2021, Reale Arena

After facing each other in the Copa Del Rey final, Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao face off again, this time in a Spanish La Liga clash at the Reale Arena. Sociedad came out on top in the Cup and are expected to have the home advantage again on Wednesday.

Real Sociedad put their recent La Liga crisis behind them as they beat Bilbao 1-0 to win the rescheduled 2020 Copa Del Rey. Mikel Oyarzabal’s second half penalty turned out to be the difference in a game that produced few chances.

This is the first major trophy in 34 years for Sociedad, which is trying to finish in places in the Europa League. They are currently seventh on the table, just one point behind Real Betis fifth.

While their league form has been generally patchy in recent weeks, Imanol Alguacil’s men have tried to maintain some consistency at Reale Arena. They have won three of their last four home games, a series that includes a 1-0 victory over Levante, while beating Alaves 4-0.

Athletic Bilbao will be disappointed with their loss to Real Sociedad as they failed to create many scoring opportunities. They will have another Cup chance with a clash against Barcelona in the 2021 final on April 17.

For now, Marcelino’s men need to turn their attention to La Liga issues and their quest to raise the table. They are currently 10th in the standings, 11 points behind Villarreal in last place in the Europa League and will need a fortune recovery if they want to secure a continental finish.

Athletic Bilbao have not been at their best in recent times and are winless in their last three La Liga games. They have also struggled away from home and are on a three-game winless streak on their travels, including a 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid.

How the bookmakers see it

The bookies have Real Sociedad as favorites here with SBK offering 21/17 for a home win. The same company offers 11/4 for a win at Athletic Bilbao while a draw is drawn at odds of 23/10 by bet365.

With Real Sociedad often doing their best work at Reale Arena and Athletic Bilbao struggling lately, I am tempted to lean towards a home win.

Face-to-face

Real Sociedad have the upper hand in this game with 18 wins in 51 previous matches. Athletic Bilbao have won 15 wins while there have been 18 draws between the two teams.

Sociedad have won the last three encounters, including 1-0 victories in the Copa Del Rey final on Saturday and the reverse game in December.

Players to watch

Mikel Oyarzaba has scored 10 La Liga goals this season and could be worth a kick to score anytime at 21/10 with betfair after scoring the only goal last Saturday. Alexander Isak has scored 12 league goals this season and might be worth keeping an eye out for the same market at 8/5 with SBK.

Alex Berenguer, Inaki Williams and Iker Munain are often tasked with carrying the offensive threat of Athletic Bilbao. Berenguer is priced 9/2 by bet365 to score at any time, Paddy Power is offering the same odds for Williams while Munain is priced 5/1 by SBK in the same market.

Something else attracting attention?

Real Sociedad have kept their own sheets in two of their last three home games and their last two games against Athletic Bilbao. They are valued at 13/8 by bet365 to keep another clean sheet while a win at zero is priced at 11/5 by Genting Bet.

Matches involving Real Sociedad often feature more goals after the break, so the second half could be considered the best-scoring half at 7/5 with Sport Nation. The hosts are also a good bet to win the second half at 8/5 with betway.

This La Liga match between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao will take place on April 7, 2021 and start at 8:00 PM. Check out below for our best Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao tipster. You can also visit our dedicated betting overviews section for the most recent overviews.

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