**Real Sociedad's Europa League baptism gets a tricky opener with Bournemouth in town** — the Basque side are wobbly in the league but have the home crowd at Reale Arena to lean on. 🇪🇸

Sociedad have dropped three at home to Atlético recently, which is brutal timing before a continental fixture. Bournemouth, meanwhile, have picked up points steady but uninspiring — they're the draw merchants of late, so don't expect fireworks.

Key storylines:

- **T. Kubo and M. Oyarzabal** will need to set the tempo in attack; Sociedad lean on flair in the final third to break down a compact Bournemouth setup
- Missing **Á. Odriozola** and **I. Zubeldia** is a real blow to Sociedad's structure; the backline will feel exposed down the flanks
- **L. Cook and A. Scott** anchor Bournemouth's midfield with a no-nonsense approach that could frustrate Sociedad's rhythm-builders

Expected lineups:

- **Real Sociedad**: U. Marrero, S. Gómez, J. Martin, L. Beitia, H. Fort, Y. Herrera, C. Soler, A. Barrenetxea, L. Sučić, T. Kubo, M. Oyarzabal
- **Bournemouth**: Đ. Petrović, A. Truffert, A. Silva, J. Hill, A. Smith, A. Scott, L. Cook, M. Tavernier, J. Kluivert, Rayan, Evanilson

Prediction:

**Real Sociedad 2–1 Bournemouth.** Home edge with the crowd, but Bournemouth's resilience keeps it tight. Slight lean to Sociedad. ⚪

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