Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao 10/31/21 LaLiga Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Real Sociedad is hosting Athletic Bilbao at Reale Arena in round 12 of the Spanish LaLiga. Sociedad is playing great, they are solid defensively, and well, they are sharing the top of the standings. Bilbao isn’t so bad either, they are not scoring a lot, but their defense has been one of the best in the league.

I knew Bilbao is a good team, a great team, but to see them sharing the top spot with Real Madrid and Sevilla, I did not expect that. Sociedad has scored 16 goals so far, which isn’t a lot, but it’s quite enough, while they conceded only 9 goals so far this season. with 24 points, same as Sevilla and Real Madrid, Real Sociedad is in 3^rd place. Sociedad was playing against Celta Vigo earlier this week, and they have had 43% of ball possession, 4 shots on goal, 6 corner kicks, 1 big chance created, and 75% of the correct passes. It wasn’t a particularly good game from Sociedad, but their defense stepped up once again, and when Celta was attacking, Sociedad was scoring. The final score was 0-2 in favor of Real Sociedad. Oyarzabal is the leading goalscorer for Real Sociedad with 6 goals. As I’ve said, this is a great team, I just hope that playing in the Europa League won’t stretch them too thin because it would be a shame if they start sinking in LaLiga.

Bilbao is now on a 4-game streak without a loss, ad even though they are not scoring a lot, their defense is keeping them alive. Unfortunately, in my opinion, if Bilbao wants to accomplish something this season, they will need more offense, which I’m not sure they can get. With 17 points, Athletic Bilbao is now in 8^th place. Inaki Williams is the leading goalscorer for Bilbao with 3 goals, while Martinez and Garcia added 2 goals each. Muniain has added 3 assists. Nolaskoain, Berchiche. Villalibre, Vivian, and Zarraga are all injured, and will most likely miss this game. In their latest game against Espanyol on the road, Bilbao was the dominant team with 54% of all possession, 7 shots on goal, 12 corner kicks, 5 big chances created, and 86% of the correct passes. Bilbao was losing at halftime, but they tied the score in the 52^nd minute. Bilboa has had a lot of chances, but as I said, no offense. The final score was 1-1. Bilbao might be in the Europa League hunt, and maybe if they can keep playing well defensively, they might get there, but I wouldn’t count on that alone.

Sociedad hasn’t lost to Bilbao in their last 4 home games, and honestly, I don’t think they will now. Bilbao has barely any offense, while Sociedad is solid defensively. This is going to be a rough game, and I will take the draw.