Basque to the future as classic derby beckons

It is derby time, time for a classic fixture in the Basque Country. A time for fighting spirit. For grit. Time to show the arch-rivals who is boss. The most recent instalment of this historic rivalry took place in the first half of the LaLiga season. Back then, Real Sociedad had the edge, as they were sitting two points above Athletic Club going into this meeting of old enemies, a gap that was maintained following a 1-1 draw.

The season was still in its infancy – just five matchdays had passed – and neither team had made an ideal start to the campaign. The San Sebastian outfit, with David Moyes in the dugout, were struggling to click, while Ernesto Valverde's men looked distinctly heavy-legged, the upshot of having kicked off pre-season earlier than anyone else. Fast-forward several months and Athletic are now five points ahead in the table.

Both sides took their time to gather steam, but now both take some stopping. While at the beginning of the season, Imanol Agirretxe was the Txuri-urdin's chief goal-getter, now Jonathas has picked up the gauntlet. There has been no change on this score for Athletic, for whom Aritz Aduriz, 35 years young, continues to demonstrate that he is one of the deadliest Spanish strikers out there.

An unfortunate injury will prevent us from seeing Raul Garcia playing his first derby at San Mames, having featured in the reverse fixture at Anoeta. The flip side will be a chance to watch Javier Eraso, who has taken on a bigger role in the former Atletico Madrid man's absence. Meanwhile, Carlos Vela has been steadily upping his game and is now approaching the electric form he's displayed in the past.

Notwithstanding the above, many eyes will undoubtedly be on young guns Iñaki Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal. The Athletic starlet has experienced a derby before and, having established himself in the side, is beginning to fulfil his vast potential. Oyarzabal, on the other hand, is still getting his feet under the table in the Liga BBVA, but his limited game time has been ample to showcase his talent. With three goals in the last week, the highly rated prospect looks to be the real deal and ready for the big time.

This edition of the derby will feature a similar approach on both sides, with the high-tempo passing and pressing game favoured by Valverde also the hallmark of his opposite number, Eusebio Sacristan. La Catedral will play host to two teams who share a penchant for good football, two sides who will go all out for a win that means so much more than just three points.