Real Sociedad will be looking to return to winning ways in Spain's top flight when the division leaders travel to Alaves on Sunday evening.
Imanol Alguacil's team are currently one point clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, while Alaves occupy 13th position and are on a five-game unbeaten run in the league.
Match preview
© Reuters
Alaves will be the underdogs heading into Sunday's contest, but the Basque outfit will be full of confidence following a 2-1 victory away to Real Madrid last weekend.
Lucas Perez and Joselu scored the goals against Los Blancos, and Pablo Machin's side will now be looking to claim another huge scalp against the current league leaders.
Alaves finished 16th in Spain's top flight last season, and there were signs in the early stages of 2020-21 that it could be a long and difficult campaign for the club.
Machin's team have been impressive since losing to Elche on October 18, though, picking up two victories and three draws from their last five matches, including a draw with Barcelona and a win over Real Madrid.
© Reuters
Sociedad, meanwhile, lead the way in Spain's top flight, having won seven, drawn three and lost one of their 11 matches this season to collect 24 points.
The Basque side are currently one point clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid at the summit, although Diego Simeone's side have two games in hand on the division leaders, meaning that the visitors will be determined to return to winning ways in the league.
Sociedad had won six straight league matches before sharing the points with Villarreal last weekend, while they will enter Sunday's contest off the back of a 2-2 draw with Rijeka in the Europa League on Thursday.
Alguacil's team are currently second in Group F but their spot in the knockout round of the European competition is in doubt ahead of next week's incredibly tough trip to Napoli.
The White and Blues will certainly have one eye on their final group game in Naples, but a poor result against Alaves could leave them second and trailing a very impressive Atletico side.
Alaves La Liga form: LWDDDW
Real Sociedad La Liga form: WWWWWD
Real Sociedad form (all competitions): WWWDDD
Team News
© Reuters
Alaves have no fresh injury concerns from the win over Real Madrid, and it would not be a surprise to see Machin select the same XI for this weekend's contest.
Joselu and Perez, as mentioned, scored the goals against Zinedine Zidane's side, and the pair should continue in the final third with support from Jota Peleteiro and Luis Rioja in the wide areas.
Edgar Mendez and Deyverson are options for change, but the home side will again be without the services of Pere Mons and Manu Garcia on Sunday night.
Sociedad, meanwhile, will be without Luca Sangalli through injury, while Asier Illarramendi and Aritz Elustondo are unlikely to be involved.
Head coach Alguacil is expected to make changes from the side that started Thursday's Europa League contest, with Willian Jose, Portu and Andoni Gorosabel in line to start.
Mikel Oyarzabal will feature in an attacking position, while David Silva should be in the side, having made his recovery from injury against Rijeka after missing out against Villarreal.
Alaves possible starting lineup:
Pacheco; Navarro, Lejeune, Laguardia, Duarte; Jota, Pina, Battaglia, Rioja; Joselu, Perez
Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Remiro; Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Munoz; D Silva, Guevara, Merino; Portu, Willian Jose, Oyarzabal
We say: Alaves 1-2 Real Sociedad
Sociedad have now drawn their last three matches in all competitions and will be coming up against an Alaves side in good form. It would not be a surprise to see the two teams play out a draw on Sunday night, but we just fancy the visitors to edge a close game.
