Bournemouth begin their first-ever European campaign when they travel to Spain to face Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday night.
The Cherries earned their place in the competition after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season. They now face a Real Sociedad side with plenty of previous European experience.
Bournemouth are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season, having drawn three of their opening four matches. Their latest outing ended 2-2 against Brentford, while they beat Lincoln City 4-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Real Sociedad have also made an inconsistent start. They have seven points from six La Liga matches and come into this one after a 3-0 home defeat to Atlético Madrid.
It promises to be a memorable night for Bournemouth, but their first European test could hardly be more demanding.
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What are the best picks for Real Sociedad vs Bournemouth?
Bournemouth double chance
I am taking Bournemouth with the double chance in what looks like a very competitive opening Europa League fixture.
The Cherries have not won in the Premier League yet, but they have avoided defeat in three of their four matches. They have also already shown their attacking quality with a 4-0 Carabao Cup win over Lincoln.
Real Sociedad have lost three of their six La Liga matches and were beaten 3-0 by Atlético Madrid at home on Sunday.
The Spanish side have the European experience, but Bournemouth have enough attacking quality to make this a difficult night for the hosts.
Both teams to score
Goals at both ends appeal here.
Real Sociedad have conceded 11 goals in six La Liga matches, while Bournemouth have conceded seven in their opening four Premier League games. Neither defence has been particularly convincing.
Bournemouth have also scored in each of their last four competitive matches, including twice against Brentford and four against Lincoln.
With Mikel Oyarzabal, Luka Sučić and the Bournemouth attacking trio all capable of creating problems, I expect both sides to find the net.
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Marcus Tavernier to score or assist
Tavernier is the player I like in the player market.
He has scored three goals in his last four appearances and was on the scoresheet again in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brentford.
The 27-year-old should start on the right side of Bournemouth’s attacking three and will be important when the visitors look to break quickly.
Given his recent form and the spaces that could open up in a game involving two sides with attacking ambitions, I like Tavernier to either score or provide an assist.
Where can I watch Real Sociedad vs Bournemouth?
Real Sociedad vs Bournemouth kicks off at 8pm BST on Thursday 17 September 2026 at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián.
The match will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 2 and TNT Sports 6, with streaming available through HBO Max.
What have the managers said?
Marco Rose
Bournemouth manager Marco Rose is preparing his side for a historic night as the Cherries make their European debut.
Rose has encouraged supporters to enjoy the occasion while reminding his players that the focus needs to remain on the football.
“Enjoy the evening. Have some beers but not too much because the sunrise is very nice and you have to go home.”
Rose has also spoken about the importance of the occasion for everyone connected with Bournemouth as they take their first steps into European competition.
Pellegrino Matarazzo
Real Sociedad boss Pellegrino Matarazzo will want a response after his side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid on Sunday.
After that match, Matarazzo felt his team had performed well for long periods before the game got away from them.
“A strong performance until the penalty.”
Real Sociedad will now switch their focus to Europe, with Matarazzo’s side looking to make home advantage count against Bournemouth.
What is Real Sociedad’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Marrero; Fort, Sarr, Pacheco, Gómez; Soler, Herrera; Guedes, Sučić, Ochieng; Oyarzabal.
Injured: Álvaro Odriozola, Igor Zubeldia.
Suspended: Jon Aramburu.
Real Sociedad are expected to make some changes from Sunday’s defeat, with Unai Marrero potentially replacing regular goalkeeper Álex Remiro. Oyarzabal should lead the attack after starting five of their six league matches this season.
What is Bournemouth’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Petrović; Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Scott, Cook; Tavernier, Kluivert, Rayan; Evanilson.
Injured: Amine Adli, Eli Kroupi, Julián Araujo, Veljko Milosavljević.
Doubts: Tyler Adams.
Bournemouth are expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 system they have used under Rose, with Tavernier, Kluivert and Rayan supporting Evanilson. Adams remains a doubt, while Lewis Cook could step into the deeper midfield role.
Score prediction: Real Sociedad 1-2 Bournemouth
I expect Bournemouth to rise to the occasion on their European debut.
Real Sociedad have more experience of this level, but their defensive record gives Bournemouth encouragement. The Cherries have also shown plenty of attacking threat despite their winless Premier League start.
I can see both sides scoring, but Bournemouth’s pace in attack could make the difference in a memorable first European night.
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