With just one point separating the two sides in the La Liga standings, the clash between Real Sociedad and Real Betis should deliver premium excitement.

La Real headed into the new campaign with a virtually unchanged squad, as Juanmi was the only notable player to arrive.

Meanwhile, Alberto De La Bella and Alfred Finnbogason left, meaning that coach Eusebio Sacristan didn’t have to make too many changes to his side.

Real Sociedad have had mixed success in the opening exchanges, losing to top sides Real Madrid and Villarreal, while defeating Osasuna and Las Palmas and sharing spoils with Espanyol.

However, last week’s defeat to minnows Eibar could prove costly and they will want to get straight back to winning ways on Friday.

It remains to be seen whether Esteban Granero will finally make the matchday squad for the first time this season, as coach Eusebio Sacristan faces serious selection problems.

Aritz Elustondo misses out through suspension, whereas Yuri Berchiche, Carlos Martinez, Tono and Imanol Agirretxe remain in the infirmary.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Rulli – Zaldua, Raul Navas, I. Martinez, Litri – Illarramendi, Bergara, Zurutuza – Vela, Willian Jose, Juanmi.

While their local rivals Sevilla have been enjoying plenty of European success, Real Betis have even struggled in La Liga and they cannot seem to catch a break.

Los Verdiblancos added quite a few new footballers to the squad in an attempt to improve their fortunes, but new coach Gus Poyet hasn’t quite managed to get the maximum out of his side.

Real Betis have recorded two wins, as many draws and defeats in the first six fixtures, thus climbing to the top half of the standings, and they are now hoping to build on the narrow win over Malaga.

It was Joaquin Sanchez who scored the winning goal against los Boquerones and he could prove a handful for Real Sociedad defenders as well, together with Ruben Castro and Alex Alegria.

Jonas Martin should continue to miss out as he has yet to resume training, but Rafa Navarro will be in contention after overcoming a minor muscle injury.

Riza Durmisi should be fit despite suffering a bruised knee in training, while Aissa Mandi and Antonio Sanabria remain in the infirmary.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Adan – Piccini, Bruno Gonzalez, Pezzella, Navarro – Musonda, Petros, Gutierrez, Joaquin – Ruben Castro, Alegria.