Real Sociedad vs Bournemouth prediction 17.09.2026 | UEFA Europa League

Real Sociedad return to action after suffering a dreadful 3:0 home defeat against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

After a goalless opening 80 minutes, three late goals from the visitors condemned Pellegrino Matarazzo's side to a harsh reversal.

La Real had previously claimed a dramatic 3:2 victory at Elche but have now lost three of their first games of the new season. Two wins, one draw and three defeats from six league fixtures leave Real Sociedad 12th in La Liga with seven points on the board. 

The Basque side have endured a poor run of form since the end of last season. Sociedad have won just two of 15 competitive fixtures since the start of April.

Head coach Matarazzo has two injury issues this week. Alvaro Odriozola remains unavailable with a long-term knee injury, while Igor Zubeldia is doubtful after missing Sunday's defeat against Atletico.

Takefusa Kubo and Orri Oskarsson are among those pushing for recalls.

Bournemouth make the trip to San Sebastian after being held to a 2:2 draw by Brentford on Saturday.

Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier scored for the Cherries, but Kevin Schade struck twice to deny Marco Rose's side their first league win of the campaign.

Despite that disappointment, Bournemouth are unbeaten in four matches across all competitions. A comfortable 4:0 cup victory against Lincoln City is their only win during that run.

While still searching for their first EPL win this season, the Cherries remain impressively tough-to-beat. The EPL side lost only one of 24 previous competitive fixtures since January. Man City and Arsenal are the only teams to beat Bournemouth this year.

Head coach Rose has no fresh injury concerns, but Eli Junior Kroupi, Veljko Milosavljevic, Amine Adli and Julian Araujo are expected to remain unavailable on Thursday. 

The Bournemouth boss could retain much of the same side that started against Brentford, with Rayan, Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier supporting Evanilson in attack.