Real Sociedad are looking to get their Europa League campaign off to a winning start when they host debutants Bournemouth on Thursday evening.
Sociedad have competed in continental tournaments in recent seasons, while the Cherries are preparing for their first-ever European campaign after a sixth-place Premier League finish last season.
The hosts have recorded two wins, one draw and three defeats in their first six La Liga matches, and suffered a 3-0 home loss to Atlético Madrid in their most recent outing.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth have lost just once in their opening five games of the season and are coming off a 2-2 draw against Brentford.
The Cherries have recorded three draws so far and will need to find a winning formula if they are to make a statement in their debut European campaign.
These teams are no strangers to each other, having played two club friendlies last year. Both matches resulted in draws.
It will be interesting to see how these sides approach the match with pressure to get off to a winning start. Here is our detailed predicted outcome for the match.
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What time does Sociedad vs Bournemouth start?
The match kicks off at 10PM E.A.T at the San Sebastian
Sociedad vs Bournemouth team news
The home team are expected to be without Álvaro Odriozola and Igor Zubeldia through injury, but still boast a wealth of experience in their squad.
Jon Aramburu is also unavailable due to suspension, creating a potential opportunity for new arrival Héctor Fort at right-back.
Talisman Mikel Oyarzabal is set to lead the attacking line, with Takefusa Kubo and Goncalo Guedes completing the front three.
As for the visitors, they are expected to field their strongest available XI apart from Julian Araujo, Amine Adli and Eli Junior Kroupi who are all injured.
Rayan, Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier are expected to provide support behind centre-forward Evanilson.
The rest of the lineup will remain unchanged from the side that drew against Bournemouth last weekend.
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Sociedad vs Bournemouth head-to-head and current form
This will be the first competitive fixture between these two sides, though they have played three friendly matches.
Sociedad beat the Cherries 2-1 in July 2022, with the following two matches resulting in 1-1 and 0-0 draws.
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Current form:
Sociedad – LWDWL
Bournemouth – DWDDL
Sociedad vs Bournemouth prediction
Sociedad’s home advantage and greater European experience make them a reasonable side to back, but Bournemouth’s attacking potential means the draw remains a realistic possibility.
Despite their ability to score goals, the visitors have conceded in all but one game this season. This could leave them vulnerable at the back.
Prediction – Sociedad to win or draw – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!