Real Sociedad welcome Bournemouth to Anoeta on Thursday as both clubs begin their Europa League league-phase campaigns.
La Real enter the contest after a 3-0 home defeat to Atletico Madrid left them with two wins from six La Liga matches. Pellegrino Matarazzo's side qualified for Europe by winning last season's Copa del Rey.
Bournemouth are preparing for the first European match in their history. Marco Rose's team remain winless in the Premier League after a 2-2 draw with Brentford, but their aggressive approach has produced 10 goals in five matches across all competitions.
Real Sociedad vs Bournemouth: Key Stats
Real Sociedad have won two, drawn one and lost three of their six La Liga matches
La Real have kept only one clean sheet in their last six competitive games
Bournemouth are winless in four Premier League matches, recording three draws and one defeat
Four of each club's last five matches produced over 2.5 goals
This will be Bournemouth's first competitive European fixture
Photo Credit (Real Sociedad)
What to Expect
Real Sociedad should use a flexible 4-4-2, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Luka Sucic combining between Bournemouth's midfield and defence. Goncalo Guedes can move inside from the left while Carlos Soler provides control through central areas.
Hector Fort is expected to replace the suspended Jon Aramburu at right-back. Alvaro Odriozola and Igor Zubeldia are unavailable, leaving Matarazzo with fewer defensive options against Bournemouth's energetic front four.
The visitors should retain Rose's 4-2-3-1, with Tyler Adams and Alex Scott supporting an attacking line of Rayan, Justin Kluivert, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson. Julian Araujo, Amine Adli, Veljko Milosavljevic and Eli Junior Kroupi are sidelined.
Predicted Lineups
Real Sociedad (4-4-2)
Marrero; Fort, Sarr, Pacheco, Gomez; Ochieng, Herrera, Soler, Guedes; Oyarzabal, Sucic
Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)
Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson
Players to Watch
Mikel Oyarzabal - Real Sociedad's captain remains their most reliable attacking reference. His movement can pull Bournemouth's centre-backs out of position, while his composure makes him the hosts' leading threat inside the penalty area.
Luka Sucic - Sucic gives La Real creativity between the lines and an additional shooting threat from midfield. Bournemouth must prevent him from receiving freely behind Adams and Scott.
Justin Kluivert - The Netherlands international scored against Brentford and should operate close to Evanilson. His direct running and ability to attack central spaces can expose a Real Sociedad defence missing Aramburu and Zubeldia.
Alex Scott - Scott will be central to Bournemouth's attempts to play through the hosts' press. His ball-carrying and progressive passing can turn defensive recoveries into dangerous transitions.
Prediction
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.72
Both teams have started their domestic seasons inconsistently, but their recent matches have produced chances and goals. Four of Real Sociedad's last five games and four of Bournemouth's last five have finished with at least three goals.
La Real's defensive absences should encourage Bournemouth to press aggressively, while Oyarzabal, Sucic and Guedes can trouble a visiting defence that has not kept a Premier League clean sheet. The attacking matchup is stronger than either team's results suggest. A 2-1 Bournemouth victory is the preferred scoreline.