La Liga 2011-12: Real Sociedad Vs Real Madrid Preview
Real Sociedad are set to host Real Madrid, in the La Liga, on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta, in Donostia, San Sebastián.
Jose Mourinho’s wards will be seeking their sixth successive league win as they are pitted against a side that has lost four of its last five games, with a draw in the remaining match. Nuri Sahin with a knee injury and Ricardo Carvalho with a back problem are others on the injured list. Mesut Ozil and Gonzalo Higuain could replace Kaka and Karim Benzema who featured in Real Madrid’s 3-0 win against Villarreal, on Wednesday.
Philip Montanier’s wards have enjoyed a fairly good record in home games, this season, losing just the solitary game in eight matches hosted. Carlos Vela could play as their lone striker against Madrid, while midfielder skipper Mikel Aranburu and Xabi Prieto are due to return from injury, with Prieto expected to replace Daniel Estrada.
Ahead of the game, the visitors are likely to miss the services of Raul Albiol who is yet to recover from a fractured cheekbone. Head to head, of their last eight matches with Sociedad, Madrid have won six and drawn the remaining two.
While Mesut Ozil in midfield could play the key role, for Madrid, on Saturday, Sociedad are likely to rely on young French winger Antoine Griezmann, for inspiration. Another player who could make a difference to the outcome for the home side is midfielder Xabi Prieto, and his battle with Xabi Alonso could be one of the key contests of the game. For Madrid, Angel Di Maria is in the form of his life. The winger has had several assists besides scoring himself and his presence could be a constant thorn in the home team’s side.
Expect many goals on the day, with the merengues having scored two goals each on their last four visits to San Sebastian. In fact, they have scored four goals in each of their last two away games.
Real Sociedad’s probable eleven: Bravo, C. Martinez, I. Martinez, Demidov, Bella, Aranburu, Mariga, Prieto, Zurutuza, Griezmann, Vela
Real Madrid’s probable eleven: Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo, Higuain
About the Author (Author Profile)
Jinxatious is the Chief Editor of SportingAttitude.com
An avid writer, on an eclectic range of subjects, he brings to bear editorial experience garnered with a national newspaper in South-East Asia. He also has sportscasting experience, as a cricket commentator, and his passion for sport extends beyond Cricket, to Football, Tennis, and Olympic Sports.
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