Top 4 hopefuls Real Sociedad aim to return to winning ways and close the gap behind their rivals for the final Champions League berth, whilst relegation-threatened Elche hope to build on last week’s triumph over Rayo Vallecano.

This season did not have the best of starts for La Real as the team were clearly struggling to balance between their La Liga and Champions League campaign.

Early exit from Europe, however, proved to be a blessing in disguise, seeing as how it allowed Jagoba Arrasate’s side to seriously raise their league form.

A string of impressive performances saw Real Sociedad join the chase for a top 4 finish, although team’s five-match winning run in the league came to an abrupt end as they were hammered 5-1 by rivals Villarreal.

And while they also failed to defeat Getafe on the road, La Real can take some comfort from their Copa del Rey performances, with victories over Villarreal and Racing Santander helping them come on the verge of reaching the semi-finals.

Real Sociedad now have a good chance to revive their Champions League hopes, and they are priced at 1.55 (5/9) to see off Elche.

Inigo Martinez is available after missing the Getafe clash through suspension, but Esteban Granero, Markel Bergara and Alberto De La Bella continue to miss out.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Bravo – C. Martinez, M. Gonzalez, I. Martinez, Angel – Zurutuza, Pardo – Vela, Prieto, Griezmann – Agirretxe.

It is never easy for a promoted side to keep their La Liga status in their first season, especially when there is very little investment in the playing squad.

Despite operating on a tight budget, Elche managed to sign some quality players in the summer, mostly on loan and free transfer, and they in turn did well to stay above the bottom three.

A four-match losing run at the turn of the year did see them slip into the relegation zone, but 1-1 draw with Sevilla and 2-0 triumph over Rayo Vallecano acted as a major boost to their survival hopes.

Elche now face a tough task as they travel to Anoeta, but having lost just two of last seven away fixtures in all competitions, you should know they are 2.75 (7/4) not to lose.

Damien Suarez is hoping to start despite carrying an ankle injury, but Manu Herrera and Alvaro Gimenez continue to miss out.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Tono – Suarez, Botia, Lomban, Albacar – Perez, Marquez – Gil, Coro, Niguez – C. Herrera.