Top 4 rivals in La Liga are now set to face each other in Copa del Rey Last 16 stage, with the first leg set to be played at Anoeta.

Real Sociedad largely struggled to cope with the busy schedule in the opening exchanges, with their league campaign particularly suffering, but they have since kick-started their season in style.

Early elimination from Europe proved to be a blessing in disguise as it allowed Jagoba Arrasate’s men to fully focus on domestic competitions, which in turn produced excellent results.

Real Sociedad went on to win five straight league fixtures to climb to fifth place in the overall standings, with weekend’s 2-0 triumph over arch rivals Athletic Bilbao further improving team spirits.

The interesting thing is La Real are now set to play three successive matches against the same opponents, with league clash against Villarreal sandwiched between two Copa del Rey matches against the Yellow Submarine.

And with the hosts on top of their game at the moment, Real Sociedad are 2.45 (29/20) to win the first leg on Thursday.

Mikel Bergara and Mikel Gonzalez have returned into action, but Alberto De La Bella, David Zurutuza and Esteban Granero continue to miss out.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Bravo – C. Martinez, Ansotegi, I. Martinez, Angel – Bergara, Pardo – Vela, Prieto, Castro – Seferovic.

Just like their next opponents, Villarreal are enjoying a very successful season, with the team surprisingly finding themselves in the battle for the final Champions League berth.

The good news is that the Yellow Submarine are showing no signs of slowing down, with the players reacting really well to a couple of unexpected home defeats.

And while home loss to Sevilla acted as a blow to their top 4 hopes, Villarreal made sure to return to the right track as quickly as possible, having recorded a 5-2 triumph over Rayo Vallecano on the road.

It now remains to be seen if boss Marcelino Garcia Toral will continue the trend of fielding weakened sides in Copa del Rey, but everything suggests that he will be resting some key men at Anoeta.

Dorado and Hernan Perez are both doubtful after picking up injuries against Rayo, with Cani the only other unavailable player for the visitors, who are 3.10 (21/10) for the win.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Carlos – Pantic, Musacchio, Paulista, Jokic – Aquino, Bruno, Pina, Moises – Dos Santos, Pereira.