Real Sociedad will be bidding to return to winning ways in Spain's top flight when they welcome Getafe to San Sebastian on Saturday evening.

The home side are currently fourth in the table, three points ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis, while Getafe sit 14th, three points clear of the relegation zone ahead of the next set of fixtures.

Match preview

Real Sociedad managed to bounce back from their Europa League disappointment to beat Elche before the international break, but they will enter this match off the back of a 2-0 loss to Villarreal.

Dani Parejo made the breakthrough in the 77th minute of the contest at Estadio de la Ceramica before Nicolas Jackson added a second four minutes later, as Real Sociedad were undone by two goals late on.

Imanol Alguacil's side are currently fourth in the table, three points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis and four ahead of sixth-placed Villarreal, with the three teams battling for a top-four finish.

Real Sociedad have not actually claimed a top-four spot in La Liga since 2013, so it would be a huge achievement for them to secure a Champions League position for next term.

The White and Blues have the eighth-best home record in Spain's top flight this season, picking up 22 points from 13 matches, while Getafe have collected just 11 points on their travels.

Getafe, meanwhile, will enter this contest off the back of a goalless draw with Athletic Bilbao last weekend.

Quique Sanchez Flores's side are actually unbeaten in Spain's top flight since the end of February, winning three and drawing two of their last five league games during an impressive run of form.

The Deep Blue Ones are currently 14th in the table, boasting 30 points from their opening 27 matches of the season, which has left them three points clear of the relegation zone.

Despite picking up 11 points from the last 15 available, Getafe still find themselves in a scrap towards the bottom of the division, and it will be fascinating to see how the battle unfolds in the coming weeks.

Azulones have finished 15th in their last two campaigns at this level, while they have only played outside of Spain's top flight for one season since 2005, so it would be a surprise to see them relegated.

Getafe actually recorded a 2-1 victory when the two sides locked horns earlier this season, while the points were shared in the corresponding fixture during the 2021-22 campaign.

Team News

Real Sociedad will be missing three players through injury this weekend, with Carlos Fernandez, Sadiq Umar and Martin Merquelanz all out.

Meanwhile, two key players in the shape of Martin Zubimendi and Igor Zubeldia will be unavailable for selection through suspension.

There will be changes from the side that started against Villarreal last time out, with Mikel Oyarzabal likely to be introduced in the final third of the field, while Asier Illarramendi and Aritz Elustondo should also start.

As for Getafe, Mauro Arambarri will again miss out through injury, but Gaston Alvarez is available after serving a suspension in the clash with Athletic last time out.

Head coach Sanchez Flores could ultimately name the same side that took to the field for the team's last match, with Borja Mayoral, Enes Unal and Munir El Haddadi all set to start.

Carles Alena and Portu are pushing for spots in the first XI, but both players are again expected to be among the substitutes for the first whistle.

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Remiro; Gorosabel, Elustondo, Le Normand, Munoz; Mendez, D Silva, Illarramendi, Merino; Oyarzabal, Sorloth

Getafe possible starting lineup:
Soria; Suarez, Dakonam, Duarte, Alderete, Iglesias; Milla, Maksimovic, El Haddadi; Mayoral, Unal

We say: Real Sociedad 1-0 Getafe

Getafe's recent form deserves a lot of respect, and they will continue battling away in a bid to move further clear of the relegation zone. Real Sociedad need the points to aid their top-four hopes, though, and we are backing the Basque outfit to navigate their way to an important win.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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