Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad
La Liga 2018-19
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Date: Sunday 6 January 2019
Kick-off: 5:30pm GMT
Real Madrid will look to return to winning ways in La Liga as they host Real Sociedad in the 18th round of fixtures on Sunday.
Santiago Solari’s side missed a great chance to move closer to leaders Barcelona on Thursday night as they were held to a 2-2 draw at Villarreal in a fixture which was rearranged due to their participation in the Club World Cup last month.
That result leaves Madrid in fourth place, seven points behind Barca after 17 rounds of the competition. Real are also two adrift of third-placed Sevilla and four below city rivals Atletico, currently in second.
Team news
Gareth Bale is doubtful after picking up a heavy knock to his calf in the 2-2 draw at Villarreal on Thursday night.
The Welsh winger went off the pitch for treatment late in the first half and was moving gingerly in the final few minutes of the opening period at the Estadio de la Ceramica, eventually going off at the interval.
Real Madrid have not released any information about Bale’s condition, but the former Tottenham midfielder missed training on Friday and looks set to miss Sunday’s game, which could mean a rare start for Isco — who has featured sparingly under Solari — in his place.
Marcos Llorente, Mariano Diaz and Marco Asensio are all still unavailable through injury and will play no part in the league game at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; Isco, Benzema, Vazquez
Score prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Real Sociedad
Real Madrid have a number of absences and performances have been patchy for the European champions in recent weeks despite an upturn in results under Solari.
At home, however, Los Blancos will be expected to beat a Real Sociedad side down in 15th place in the table and heading into this match on the back of four consecutive defeats in La Liga.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- Real Madrid to win: 1/3
- Real Sociedad to win: 8/1
- Draw: 9/2
First goalscorer odds
- Karim Benzema: 3/1
- Sergio Ramos: 8/1
- Lucas Vazquez: 7/1
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet
TV channel and live stream online coverage
Eleven Sports have secured exclusive rights to La Liga coverage in the UK this season.
Fans can watch the match on Eleven Sports through iOS mobile and tablet apps as well as Android mobile.
You can also follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog.
