TIPS - Real Sociedad VS Athletic Bilbao

[(Real Sociedad) Strength]:
1. Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal scored a brace in the last league match, leading his team to a home victory and securing all three points. With 4 league goals to his name so far this season, he has established himself as the most consistent scoring threat in the squad.
2. Real Sociedad secured a comfortable 3-0 away victory over lower-tier side Negreira in the Copa del Rey midweek, extending their unbeaten run to three competitive matches (2 wins and 1 draw), indicating a notable upturn in form.
3. Real Sociedad have achieved a record of 5 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss in their home matches against Athletic Bilbao in the past 10 seasons. The team have a considerable boost in strength when playing at home.

[(Real Sociedad) Weakness]:
1. Real Sociedad's starting defensive midfielder Yangel Herrera was forced off due to injury just 33 minutes into the last league match and will be unavailable for this game. Additionally, forwards Orri Oskarsson and Jon Karrikaburu will also remain out with injuries.
2. Real Sociedad have shown some inefficiency in attack in the league this season, scoring only 10 goals in their first 10 matches, averaging just one goal per game.
3. Real Sociedad's defense still requires improvement in the league this season, having conceded 14 goals in their 10 matches so far, with only one clean sheet.
4. The home performance of Real Sociedad has been inconsistent. So far this season, in the 5 league matches, they have achieved 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses, with a winning rate of only 40%.

[(Athletic Bilbao) Strength]:
1. The defending ability of Athletic Bilbao is quite strong. So far this season, they have conceded 10 goals in 10 league matches, with an average of only 1 goal conceded per match.
2. Athletic Bilbao have got 3 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in their last 6 league encounters, being at an advantage.
3. Athletic Bilbao failed to taste a win in 7 consecutive league matches in AH with a terrible trend.

[(Athletic Bilbao) Weakness]:
1. Athletic Bilbao's full-back Inigo Lekue was forced off due to injury just 31 minutes into the starting lineup of the last league match and will be unavailable for this game. Midfielder Benat Prados Diaz and defender Unai Egiluz have been ruled out for the season with torn ligaments. Captain and forward Inaki Williams will also remain out due to a muscle injury.
2. Athletic Club's key forward Nico Williams, who sustained an injury during the September international break and subsequently missed 6 consecutive matches, has already returned to action this month. However, he has yet to find the back of the net in the 4 appearances since his comeback, indicating a clear dip in his form and sharpness.
3. Athletic Club suffered a 0-1 home defeat to Getafe in the last league round, snapping their three-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Moreover, they have managed just one win in their last 7 league matches, highlighting a notably poor run of form in the competition.
4. Athletic Club's attacking output in the league has been severely lacking this season, with just 9 goals scored in their 10 matches so far, averaging fewer than one goal per game. This places them joint-second lowest in the league for goals scored.
5. Athletic Bilbao are not competitive at all on the road. They have got 1 draw and 3 losses in the last 4 official away matches without a win.

[Tips]:
Real Sociedad have shown signs of resurgence recently, remaining unbeaten in their last three matches. However, the team still need improvement in both offensive and defensive aspects of their league performances, and their home form has been inconsistent.

On the other hand, Athletic Club have been struggling badly in the league, managing just one win in their last 7 matches. Their attack has been weak, and their away performances have been particularly underwhelming, though they have maintained a relatively solid defensive record.

While Athletic Club have historically held an edge over Real Sociedad in recent years, their away form in this match has been notably poor.

As a result, they are not to be overestimated in this match.

Thus, we expect Real Sociedad to at least keep unbeaten at home this time.

[Recommended]:
Real Sociedad (0)