On Saturday night, Real Sociedad and Real Madrid clash at the Reale Arena in a massive game at the top of La Liga.

Real Sociedad

A couple of weeks ago La Real were top of the table and looking like genuine title contenders. However, injuries to key players such as Mikel Oyarzabal have hampered their title bid. In fact, the side from San Sebastian has slipped to third place in the table, level on points with second-place Atletico Madrid, but seven points adrift of Saturday’s visitors.

A midweek 4-0 win at lower league Panaderia Pulido in the Copa del Rey ended a three-game winless run in all competitions for Imanol Alguacil.

Despite their recent indifferent form, Real Sociedad are still undefeated in their last ten La Liga outings at the Reale Arena.

Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti’s team have been relentless of late, as a midweek 1-0 home win over Athletic Club means that Los Blancos are unbeaten in ten matches in all competitions, having recorded an impressive nine wins.

The league leaders have also claimed five straight wins in La Liga while scoring at least two goals in four of the five wins. Their recent good league form has seen not only Real Madrid break seven points clear of La Real, but also maybe more importantly reigning champions Atletico, although Diego Simeone’s team has a game in hand.

A big part of the recent good results has been their away form, as they head to San Sebastian having won five of their previous six games on their travels in La Liga.

Team News

Real Sociedad look set to be without several key players, as David Silva, Mikel Merino, Carlos Fernandez, Nacho Monreal, Jon Guridi and Asier Illarramendi could all miss out due to injury.

The visitors are once again expected to be without Gareth Bale and Dani Ceballos due to calf and ankle injuries respectively.