Athletic head into the Basque derby in great spirits having closed the gap behind European positions to just one point after the win over Cordoba.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad go into the clash at San Mames hoping to end a five-match winless run and improve the atmosphere ahead of the season finale.

Even if the opening exchanges suggested this could prove to be a highly disappointing season for Athletic, the team went on to show serious improvement in the second part.

Los Leones did brilliantly to make it to their second Copa del Rey final in three years, although it is mighty Barca that again stands on their way to the coveted trophy.

Meanwhile, Athletic seriously improved their league position, climbing to eighth in La Liga on the back of wins over Getafe and Cordoba.

Ernesto Valverde’s team can, therefore, secure Europa League qualification via Copa del Rey or La Liga, and they currently sit just one point behind seventh-placed Malaga.

And having recorded two wins in a row without conceding, Athletic can be backed at 1.73 (8/11) to defeat Real Sociedad as well.

Ibai Gomez and Xabier Etxeita miss out through injury and suspension respectively, but Ander Iturraspe and Mikel Balenziaga return to the side.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Iraizoz – De Marcos, Gurpegui, Laporte, Balenziaga – San Jose, Iturraspe – Williams, Benat, Vigueira – Aduriz.

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes has found it hard to prove his worth since taking over the reigns at Real Sociedad, with his side showing only glimpses of quality.

Real Sociedad need to take at least seven points from remaining five matches in order to avoid having the worse point total since returning to the elite division in 2010.

The good run of results in February and March was short-lived as La Real went on to take mere three points from next five games, slipping to 12th in the process.

Real Sociedad failed to end the barren run as they could only share spoils with Villarreal at home, with the visitors missing a great chance to win in the dying moments.

David Moyes’ charges now face another difficult task and no wonder they are 5.50 (9/2) to defeat Athletic at San Mames in midweek.

The good news is there are no fresh injury worries at Anoeta, meaning the Scottish coach should have fully fit squad to select from.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Rulli – C. Martinez, M. Gonzalez, I. Martinez, De La Bella – Pardo, Granero – Vela, Prieto, Zurutuza – Agirretxe.