Real Sociedad vs Bournemouth Preview, prediction, team news, lineups | UEFA Europa League 2026-27
These sides have never faced each other in an official contest!
Real Sociedad are now going to have a face-off against AFC Bournemouth for their first league phase matchup of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27 campaign. These clubs will battle it out at the Reale Arena.
The Pellegrino Matarazzo-led side are coming off a poor performance against Atletico Madrid in LaLiga. It was a 0-3 loss for them and they are going to be under pressure for their next one. La Real are now back on the European stage and will be hoping for a positive start.
Real Sociedad have not been very consistent with their efforts in their recent matches. They are going to be at home for their upcoming outing and it can end up in their favour.
AFC Bournemouth are on the European stage for the first time ever. After finishing sixth in the English Premier League last season, they earned a spot in the UEFA Europa League. Marco Rose’s men have not faced a defeat in their last four matches and will be keen to continue their form.
Despite being away from home, the Cherries will be looking to come up with a top performance and might even give a hard time to Sociedad. They have capable players in the squad and will be aiming for their first three points.
Kick-off:
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
- Location: San Sebastian, Spain
- Stadium: Reale Arena
- Date: Friday, September 18
- Kick-off Time: 12:30 am IST (Wednesday, September 17; 07:00 pm GMT/ 03:00 pm ET/ 12:00 pm PT)
- Referee: Paweł Raczkowski
- VAR: In use
Form:
Sociedad: L-W-D-W-L
Bournemouth: L-D-D-W-D
Players to Watch
Carlos Soler (Real Sociedad)
The 29-year-old Spanish midfielder will have a crucial role to play both in the midfield and the attacking front for Real Sociedad. Despite a 0-3 loss against Atleti, Carlos Soler put in a lot of hard work and was the top performer for his side. He will be looking to come up with some cunning passes, which can cause problems for the visitors.
Marcus Tavernier (Bournemouth)
Marcus Tavernier will be one of the main men in the final third for AFC Bournemouth. He is coming in after scoring a crucial goal for his side in their last Premier League outing against Brentford. With this, the 27-year-old English winger has now scored three goals in four league appearances this season. Tavernier will now be looking to engrave his name on the European stage.
Match Facts
- AFC Bournemouth are making their first appearance on the European stage.
- Real Sociedad have two wins in their last five fixtures.
- Both of the previous friendlies between these clubs have ended in a draw.
Betting Tips & Odds
- Bournemouth to win @142/100 10bet
- Marcus Tavernier to score @10/3 bet365
- Goals under 3.5 @1/2 bet365
Injury and Team News
For Real Sociedad, Igor Zubeldia and Alvaro Odriozola will not be in action. They are injured. Pablo Marin is back in training and might make an appearance from the bench.
Junior Kroupi, Veljko Milosavljevic, Julian Araujo and Amine Adli are not going to be in action for AFC Bournemouth. They are injured.
Head-to-Head
Matches played: 2
Real Sociedad (wins): 0
Bournemouth (wins): 0
Draws: 2
Predicted Lineups
Real Sociedad predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Remiro (GK); Aramburu, Beitia, Sarr, Gomez; Herrera, Soler; Barrenetxea, Sucic, Guedes; Oyarzabal
Bournemouth predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Petrovic (GK); Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson
Match Prediction
Neither of these clubs will be looking to back down. Real Sociedad at home can have an advantage, but Bournemouth are not going to allow many chances to the hosts.
The Cherries are likely to come out on top and secure a win in their UEFA Europa League fixture.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-2 Bournemouth
Telecast Details
India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV
UK: TNT Sports
Spain: Telefonica
Italy: Sky
USA: Paramount+, DAZN, TUDN
When and where is Real Sociedad vs Bournemouth Europa League match?
This clash is set to take place at the Reale Arena on September 17.
Where and how to watch Europa League live in India?
Fans will be able to view all the games live via the Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV.
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