Match Preview: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad

Kick off time 15:00

Team News

Real Madrid

• Coach Carlo Ancelotti will be without the suspended Sergio Ramos which means Raphael Varane will keep his place alongside Pepe in the heart of defense despite a less than impressive mid-week display against Juventus.
• Real have problems at left-back, with Fabio Coentrao a doubt and Marcelo ruled out. Arbeloa could start at left-back with Carvajal on the right.
• With Ancelotti's switch to a 4-3-3 system, Isco has barely featured in recent games but could make a return to the starting XI, as could Asier Illarramendi.

Real Sociedad

• Jagoba Arrasate will bring back Xabi Prieto to the starting side after he started on the bench last weekend.
• Despite scoring just one goal so far this season, Imanol Agirretxe will lead the attack.

Match Facts

Real Madrid have won 16 of their last 17 home matches in La Liga.
Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in 23 of their last 24 home matches in La Liga.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 17 of Real Madrid's last 21 games in La Liga.
Real Madrid have scored at least 4 goals in their last 3 home matches against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
Real Madrid are undefeated in their last 13 matches against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Real Sociedad's last 4 games in La Liga.
Real Madrid have seen over 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
Real Sociedad have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 matches in La Liga.
Real Madrid have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches in La Liga.

Prediction

• The Basques are coming off a remarkable 5-0 win over Osasuna and against a Real Madrid side that has conceded no less than seven goals in the last three matches, Arrasate's side will be hopeful of finding the net.
• However, while Los Blancos have been shipping goals left, right and centre, they have still scored more. Star summer arrival Gareth Bale made a contribution both in terms of goals and assists and his partnership with Ronaldo and Benzema is really starting to deliver the goods.
• Real Madrid's bid to improve on their defensive game will be made more complicated by the absence of Ramos who is serving a suspension.

Prediction:

Real Madrid

3

1

Real Sociedad