Athletic Bilbao will host Real Sociedad in the Basque derby on Sunday, 1 November 2026, with kick-off at 20:00 GMT at San Mames.
The fixture forms part of the 11th matchday of La Liga, with both sides expected to field contrasting formations for the meeting.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The system gives the home side a double pivot in midfield to protect the centre of the pitch, while three attacking midfielders can operate between the lines and provide width against the Real Sociedad defence.
Alex Padilla is expected to start in goal.
The probable defence consists of Jesus Areso, Yeray, Aitor Paredes and Johaneko.
Nico Serrano, Benat Prados, M. Jauregizar, Rego and Robert Navarro are listed in the midfield and attacking midfield positions, with M. Sannadi expected to lead the line.
Athletic Bilbao probable XI: Alex Padilla; Jesus Areso, Yeray, Aitor Paredes, Johaneko; Nico Serrano, Benat Prados, M. Jauregizar, Rego, Robert Navarro; M. Sannadi.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad are expected to use a 4-4-2 structure, with two compact lines of four intended to limit the space available to Athletic Bilbao.
The visitors’ wide midfielders are likely to support the defence while also providing an outlet for quick attacks. Up front, the pairing of M. Oyarzabal and O. Oskarsson is expected to offer a combination of movement and presence against Athletic Bilbao’s central defenders.
Alex Remiro should start as Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper.
Hector Fort, Jon Martin, Mamadou Sarr and Sergio Gomez are the expected defenders.
The midfield four are Luka Sucic, J. Gorrotxategi, B. Turrientes and G. Guedes.
Real Sociedad probable XI: Alex Remiro; Hector Fort, Jon Martin, Mamadou Sarr, Sergio Gomez; Luka Sucic, J. Gorrotxategi, B. Turrientes, G. Guedes; M. Oyarzabal, O. Oskarsson.
The match will be Athletic Bilbao’s 11th league fixture of the Spanish championship, with Real Sociedad providing the opposition at San Mames.
The listed betting prices make Athletic Bilbao the narrow favourites at 1.98. A draw is priced at 3.50, while a Real Sociedad victory is rated at 3.00.