Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad - Asier Illarramendi relishing Real Sociedad's derby clash

Asier Illarramendi believes the Basque derby has arrived at just the right time for Real Sociedad.

La Real visit local rivals Athletic Bilbao on the back of a three-game winning run that has lifted them to 10th in the Primera Division following a difficult start to the season.

Athletic may sit three places and five points above their derby opponents, but they were recently knocked off course in their quest for a Europa League place as Real Madrid beat them 4-2.

Illarramendi, while accepting the fact Athletic will be favourites to win on Sunday, feels the momentum is with his Sociedad colleagues.

"The derby has arrived at a good time, just as we have hit the best form of our season so far," the defensive midfielder told realsociedad.com.

"Now, after registering three straight wins, we are growing in confidence just when we have to visit San Mames - let's hope we win.

"We are making our way up from the bottom half of the table and it's understandable that people are happy about that.

"But if we lose the next two matches we'll be right back where we started. So we have to be calm.

"We know Sunday's game is important but let's not get too carried away."

Illarramendi, who has not played in the derby for three years after spending two seasons with Real Madrid, added: "We have to go out against Athletic at 100 per cent because we know how difficult this game is going to be, but we are confident.

"My last game against them was at the old San Mames - that was my last derby.

"Despite going behind, we went on to win 3-1 and that was my last memory of a derby.

"We were so happy after that game and hopefully it will be similar on Sunday."

Despite their wavering league form, Athletic approach the derby in good spirits having secured a 1-0 first-leg advantage over Marseille in the last 32 of the Europa League.

Artiz Aduriz's goal - his 26th of the season in all competitions - gave Bilbao the upper hand and boss Ernesto Valverde will hope his key striker can fire the club to a first home derby victory since 2012.