Having finally ended a four-match winless run, Espanyol are hoping to remain on the right track by defeating tired Real Sociedad at Cornella El Prat.

Meanwhile, La Real need to try and make amends for the 4-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk that effectively ended their European campaign.

Just one year after Javier Aguirre took over the reigns at Cornella El Prat, Espanyol have gone from the team destined for the drop to becoming a genuine top table side.

And with the Mexican coach completing the transition while operating on a tight budget, his achievements are even more impressive.

His side, however, experienced all sorts of problems after the bright start to the season, going on the international break on the back of six defeats in last eight matches.

The two-week pause seems to have done the team a world of good as they hammered Rayo Vallecano 4-1 on the road last weekend to finally return to winning ways.

Given that their next opponents are going through a very rough patch at the moment, you should know Espanyol are 2.30 (13/10) to defeat Real Sociedad on Saturday.

With Victor Sanchez back from suspension, Javier Aguirre will have the courtesy of picking from a fully fit squad.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casilla – Lopez, Colotto, Moreno, Fuentes – Rodriguez, Alvarez – Simao, Lopez, Torje – Garcia.

Despite impressing in the opening exchanges, Real Sociedad soon began to struggle with the busy schedule, and the fact they have been eliminated from Europe could prove to be a blessing in disguise.

Even before the season started, it was evident the team lack the strength in depth to successfully compete in two very strong competitions, but at least they can now fully focus on their La Liga campaign.

La Real could need some time to recover from the 4-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, with tired legs also likely to be a problem in the Espanyol game.

And with Real Sociedad winning just one of last ten matches on the travels, there is little value in odds of 3.50 (5/2) offered on away win.

The good news is Jagoba Arrasate has no fresh injury worries, but Carlos Martinez, Dani Estrada, Esteban Granero and Diego Ifran remain in the infirmary.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Bravo – Cadamuro, M. Gonzalez, I. Martinez, De La Bella – Elustondo, Pardo – Vela, Prieto, Griezmann – Seferovic.