La Liga 2025-2026: Athletic Bilbao-Real Sociedad, the probable formations

Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad take on each other Sunday night in an always hot Basque derby, with kickoff at 9 p.m. and concluding the day’s program for the 22nd round of Spanish La Liga. Guests definitely in better shape and coming off three consecutive victories, while the hosts have not won in the league since December 6, 2025, even, and have picked up just one point in five matches since then.

Valverde is banking on Guruzeta as the centerpiece of his attack, in an Athletic Bilbao side likely to have to do without Nico Williams again. Berenguer, Navarro and Gomez should therefore act between the wards, with Ruiz and Jauregizar in charge of the midfield. In front of goalkeeper Simon a four-man defense, with Areso and Berchiche in the lane and Paredes-Vivian in the center.

Same tactical setup for Pellegrino’s Real Sociedad. The San Sebastián lineup is expected to feature Oyarzabal as the lone point, with Guedes, Mendez and Barrenetxea behind him. At the heart of the maneuver Gorrotxategi and Soler, at the center of the defense Martin and Zubeldia. With Remiro in the posts, the rearguard will be completed by Aramburu on the right and Gomez on the opposite lane.

Athletic Bilbao-Real Sociedad, the likely lineups:

ATHLETIC BILBAO (4-2-3-1): Simon; Areso, Paredes, Vivian, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Berenguer, Navarro, Gomez; Guruzeta. Teacher: Valverde.

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REAL SOCIEDAD (4-2-3-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Martin, Zubeldia, Gomez; Gorrotxategi, Soler; Guedes, Mendez, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal. Coach: Pellegrino.

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