Real Sociedad and Bournemouth begin Europa League campaigns with contrasting team news

Real Sociedad and Bournemouth begin their Europa League league-phase campaigns on Thursday, 17 September 2026, when they meet at 19:00 GMT. Real Sociedad go into the opening fixture with a strong squad and considerable depth, while Bournemouth are coping with a lengthy injury list.

Real Sociedad manager Matarazzo is expected to retain his usual 4-2-3-1 formation. The system provides a double pivot in midfield for protection, three attacking players behind the striker to create opportunities, and a strong bench capable of influencing the game after the interval.

The likely Real Sociedad XI is:

Goalkeeper: Alex Remiro

Defenders: Jon Aramburu, Luken Beitia, Mamadou Sarr, Sergio Gomez

Midfielders: Y. Herrera, Carlos Soler, A. Barrenetxea, Luka Sucic, G. Guedes

Striker: M. Oyarzabal

Real Sociedad’s squad depth is expected to give Matarazzo several options during the match, with the club approaching the fixture with confidence.

Bournemouth face a more difficult selection situation, with injuries reducing Marco Rose’s choices, particularly in defence and midfield. Tyler Adams remains a major doubt ahead of kick-off and will be monitored until the final decision is made.

The American midfielder is an important player in the centre of the pitch because of his work-rate and ability to regain possession. However, he is not yet fully fit. If Adams is unable to play, Rose would have to reconstruct his double pivot, potentially affecting the side’s defensive balance.

The likely Bournemouth XI is:

Goalkeeper: D. Petrovic

Defenders: A. Truffert, Antonio Silva, James Hill, Adam Smith

Midfielders: Alex Scott, T. Adams, M. Tavernier, Justin Kluivert, Rayan

Striker: Evanilson

The match will be Real Sociedad’s first fixture in the league phase of the Europa League, with Bournemouth also beginning their campaign against the Spanish side.

The listed betting prices from 1xbet make Bournemouth the narrower favourites at 2.25. A Real Sociedad victory is priced at 2.70, while the odds for a draw are 3.50.