Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad: Predicted line-ups for Basque derby

Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad meet in the Basque derby on Sunday, 1 November 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 GMT at San Mames.

The fixture is the 11th matchday of the Spanish league season, and both sides are expected to adopt contrasting formations for the meeting in Bilbao.

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The system is expected to provide protection in central areas through a double pivot while allowing the attacking midfield three to operate between the lines and create width.

Alex Padilla is projected to start in goal, with Jesus Areso, Yeray, Aitor Paredes and Johaneko forming the back four.

Benat Prados and M. Jauregizar are expected to provide the central midfield cover. Ahead of them, Nico Serrano, Rego and Robert Navarro could support M. Sannadi, who is tipped to lead the attack.

Athletic Bilbao’s predicted 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, with two compact defensive and midfield lines intended to restrict space. The wide midfielders should be able to contribute when defending and then move forward quickly, while the two strikers are likely to offer different options against Athletic Bilbao’s centre-backs.

Alex Remiro is the anticipated goalkeeper. Hector Fort, Jon Martin, Mamadou Sarr and Sergio Gomez are expected to play in defence.

Luka Sucic, J. Gorrotxategi, B. Turrientes and G. Guedes could make up the midfield four. M. Oyarzabal and O. Oskarsson are the projected attacking partnership.

Real Sociedad’s predicted 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 forms part of the 11th round of Liga and will be played at San Mames on Sunday evening.

The listed 1xbet odds give Athletic Bilbao a 1.98 chance, with the draw priced at 3.50 and a Real Sociedad victory at 3.00.