A good result against the Champions League holders would be just the boost Real Sociedad need after ending their European campaign early on.

Meanwhile, los Blancos were far from impressive against newcomers Cordoba and they, too, will be looking to show massive improvement.

Last year’s Champions League campaign proved a major distraction for Real Sociedad, who finished bottom of their group with mere one point to their tally, although they eventually managed to get their league campaign back on track.

La Real will have no such problems this time out as two late goals conceded to FK Krasnodar effectively ended their European exploits.

Real Sociedad were pretty poor at the start of the league campaign as well, losing away to newly-promoted Eibar, and no doubt the team are in serious problems at the moment.

And having suffered a 4-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the same fixture last season, it is hardly surprising away win pays just 1.40 (2/5).

Boss Jagoba Arrasate is expected to make some changes to the starting line-up, with Esteban Granero and Carlos Vela pushing for starts.

Summer signing Geronimo Rulli has picked up a metatarsal injury, while Jon Ansotegi and Alfred Finnbogason are not yet ready to return.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Zubikarai – Zaldua, Elustondo, I. Martinez, De La Bella – Granero, Bergara – Prieto, Canales, Vela – Agirretxe.

Another exciting transfer window for Real Madrid is drawing to a close, and it remains to be seen whether the club management have made all the right moves.

Chances are the fans will not be impressed by departures of Angel Di Maria, Diego Lopez and Xabi Alonso, but the likes of James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Keylor Navas seem like excellent replacements.

With Cristiano Ronaldo still battling various ailments and some of his teammates far from the desired form, los Blancos have yet to hit the ground running.

Following the UEFA Super Cup triumph over Sevilla, Real were pipped by Atletico Madrid to the Spanish Super Cup, before recording a hard-fought win over Cordoba in the league.

Los Blancos should look much better when they face Real Sociedad at Anoeta, and they are 2.00 (1/1) for a half-time/full-time win.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be rested due to ongoing muscle problem, with Isco expected to replace him in the starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Casillas – Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo – Isco, Kroos, Modric – Bale, Benzema, James.