Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad: preview, likely lineups

We show the probable lineups and statistical data of interest for your preferred fantasy game.

We also put our necks on the line a bit and provide you with a captain, a striker, a wall and a risk for each of the two teams.

Athletic Club - Real Sociedad

Match date: 01/11-21:00

Athletic Club

After getting back on the winning track against Getafe at San Mamés with a comfortable rout, the rojiblancos host Real Sociedad. A derby against their Guipuzcoan neighbors is hugely important for the Basque club's European ambitions, since a win would bring them closer to the top end of the table, while a defeat would move them well away from the Donostia side.

For the clash, rojiblanco coach Edin Terzić will not be able to call on Ruiz de Galarreta. The midfielder picked up an injury at the start of the last league match against Getafe. He also won't be able to count on Guruzeta, as the forward continues recovering from a serious injury.

However, this week hasn't been all bad news at Lezama. Sancet has returned to training with his teammates and, although he will be available for Sunday's match, it's unlikely he will be part of the starting XI.

A great atmosphere is expected in the stands between two sets of fans who know how to enjoy a derby with education and respect, which always means an authentic celebration of Basque football.

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Real Sociedad

The Basque derby at San Mamés arrives at the best possible time for a Real Sociedad side that is on a run of four straight wins. After a questionable start to the season, the team has finally regained its competitive edge, the intensity and identity that Pellegrino Matarazzo instilled in the campaign last season.

The positive momentum and the defensive solidity bring back confidence to a txuri-urdin block that heads into the derby with the ambition of extending its run. To do that, it will be key to get past Athletic's early pressure and keep the game flowing in the way that has been delivering such good results.

In fantasy terms, Real players are on the rise after this resurgence, becoming recommended options to include. Keeping the solid block and taking advantage of the spaces will be the big cards to pull off a win at San Mamés.

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