LaLiga: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad preview

Leaders Real Madrid face a tough test at home on Sunday evening as they host fifth-placed Real Sociedad at Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid have won the last four direct meetings between the two sides, including a 3-0 away victory at the start of the current season. The last time Real Sociedad won in Madrid was in 2004, when they secured a shocking 4-1 victory. Overall, Real Madrid have won eight of the last ten direct matches, with Real Sociedad claiming just one win. Real Madrid had a disappointment earlier this week as they got knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Celta Vigo after a 2-1 defeat in Madrid and a 2-2 draw in the second leg. The Blancos have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions, and even though they are still leading the league table that kind of form is worrisome. The have conceded at least a goal in each of those last five matches. Head coach Zinedine Zidane has to manage an injury crisis at the moment, with Marcelo and Luka Modric the most recent additions to a rather long list of unavailable players. Real Sociedad got hammered 5-2 by Barcelona earlier this week in the Copa del Rey, but their league form has been quite good lately. They won four of their last five matches and have not lost an away match in the league since the start of December. Yuri is suspended for this match so Hector will deputize at left-back, but Asier Illarramendi has served his suspension and will return to the starting eleven. Carlos Martinez, Markel Bergara and Imanol Agirretxe are injured and will miss out.