- Bournemouth are the form team, but both sides look strong enough to compete in the UEFA Europa League.
- Bournemouth have scored nine goals in their last five matches, with Marcus Tavernier netting three goals.
- Real Sociedad have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five.
Sociedad and Bournemouth a fine even match
Pellegrino Matarazzo's side have found it difficult to get into their stride this term and arrive here having won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five. The latest two results tell the story of La Real's struggles, having beaten Elche 3-2 away before losing 3-0 to Atletico Madrid on home soil. Bournemouth are the slight favourites here at 34/25, although Real Sociedad aren't far behind at 43/25 with the draw at 13/5. It's a fair reflection of the two sides and their respective form coming into this game, with The Cherries posting a far better 1-3-1 in their last five and generally proving difficult to beat. The last three results provide further insight into what's likely to happen when these two sides come head-to-head at Reale Arena. The first saw a high-tempo Cherries outfit draw 2-2 away with Newcastle in the Premier League, before winning 4-0 at home over Lincoln City in the EFL Cup and then drawing 2-2 with Brentford on home turf in the league.
Both teams to score the clear option
Marco Rose's high-tempo pressing system aims to lock teams in up the pitch and then break fast on the counter. Real Sociedad's game is more patient and possession-based, with Matarazzo attempting to control the game's rhythm and pace in midfield before trying to break with pace in behind.
That will be a battle of wills on Thursday, and while The Cherries are the in-form side and the edge in the betting, this doesn't look like a stroll in the park. Instead, we're going with both teams to score at 57/100 and over 2.5 goals at 73/100 as the most natural option, and possibly the only bet with any real value in this match.
Bournemouth have been more consistent, winning four, drawing four and losing two of their 10 in all competitions. Real Sociedad have won just two, drawn one and lost seven. However, La Real have only won one, drawn one and lost one of their three home matches across all competitions, so we're edging towards the visitors here with the double chance bet.
