2022-23 LaLiga week 17 preview: Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club
The compact Spanish football calendar trudges on as we are now on week 17 of the 2022-23 LaLiga season. For this weekend, we will preview the match between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club.
Overview
La Real are in no threat of losing third place regardless of their result on Sunday. Nevertheless, they would like it if they are able to separate themselves from Real Betis and inch closer to table leaders Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, are in a tight midtable battle where a win could pontentially propel them to a spot for continental competition and a loss send them tumbling further down.
Stats and Head-to-Head
Real Sociedad have been on a roll since domestic football resumed. Aside from having a three-match victory streak, they also advanced to the round of 16 of Copa del Rey.
Meanwhile, their opponents have been dropping points at LaLiga, settling for draws in their two recent fixtures. The only consolation they have at the start of the year has been a 6-1 romp of Eldense in the round of 32 at the Copa del Rey. Nevertheless, one thing going in the way of Athletic Club is they have not lost, whether in official matches or in club friendlies, since the first week of November last year.
The two are even in their past four LaLiga meetings, each side winning one and drawing two. Atheltic Bilbao took the most recent one though, 4-0.
Recent form (last five matches)
Real Sociedad
defeated Almería, 2-0
defeated Logroñés, 1-0
defeated Osasuna, 2-0
defeated Coria, 5-0
lost to Leeds United, 1-2
Athletic Club
drew with Osasuna, 0-0
defeated Eldense, 6-1
drew with Real Betis, 0-0
defeated Sestao, 1-0
defeated Udinese, 1-0
Prediction
The low hanging fruit prediction is that Real Sociedad would come out on top. If basing on their head-to-head though, Bilbao have a slight edge.
Outside of that 4-0 final score they had in February 2021, their last six faceoffs have had two goals or less. Under 2.5 goals might not be a farfetched idea as over 1.5 goals is not a sure thing.
Tips
Real Sociedad to win
Under 2.5 goals
M88 Mansion MSports 1X2 odds
Real Sociedad – 2.55
Athletic Club – 2.91
Draw – 3.18
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