In search of three morale-boosting points

Following their defeat at the hands of Valencia CF, Real Sociedad return to Anoeta, one of the toughest grounds in the division, where three of the Liga BBVA’s top four sides have failed to come away with anything. Up against the Basques this time are RCD Espanyol, who also come into this match on the back of a lose, having been beaten in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash with Athletic Club.

Team news

Although the home team welcome back Chory Castro and Joseba Zaldua, Carlos Martínez, Carlos Vela and Zurutuza remain unavailable to play. Meanwhile, Espanyol will be without José Alberto Cañas, who is suspended, and Juan Rafael Fuentes, who is carrying a knock.

Views from the dugouts

The home side’s manager, David Moyes, spoke about Espanyol’s Copa del Rey game and the effect it could have on this encounter. The Scotsman also offered his thoughts on his team, on the cusp of securing safety in the division: "When I joined the club I said the main priority was avoiding relegation and that is still the case. This team is good enough to do that. We have good players and I think we’ll have escaped this situation by the end of the season, but we have to work hard for it".

The Catalans’ boss, Sergio González, talked about the Copa del Rey exit and pointed out what the key to getting over that disappointment will be: "we were quite excited but there’s no point in analysing what happened on Wednesday any more. The best way for the players to get over it is with a victory".