With their winning run having ended in the first match of the New Year against Elche, Villarreal will be hoping to make things right by defeating Real Sociedad in Copa del Rey Last 16 stage.

That will be no easy task given that La Real are buoyed by the impressive victory over Barcelona, arguably David Moyes’ best result since taking over the reigns.

Villarreal are enjoying another very successful season, with the team proving the one year spent in the second division had no negative effect.

Marcelino Garcia Toral’s charges ended the first part of the season in style, having recorded seven straight wins before going on the winter break.

The Yellow Submarine looked set to extend the brilliant run into the New Year as they had a two-goal lead against Elche, but they ultimately had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

And even though the boss is widely expected to make changes to his starting line-up, Villarreal remain 1.62 (5/8) favourites to see off Real Sociedad.

There are no fresh worries for coach Marcelino, although Tomas Pina is banned and Bojan Jokic and Cani are out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Juan Carlos- Rukavina, Dorado, Ruiz, Jaume Costa – Moi, J. Dos Santos, Bruno, Cheryshev – G. dos Santos, Moreno.

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes had a promising start to his career at Anoeta, helping his new side keep three clean sheets in a row.

However, then came the match against Villarreal at El Madrigal, where the Yellow Submarine ran out 4-0 winners in what was a very one-sided affair.

This means Real Sociedad will have revenge on their minds when they face the same opposition in Copa del Rey, with away win paying 6.50 (11/2).

It is important to note that La Real have shown a lot of promise since said loss at El Madrigal, with weekend’s triumph over Barcelona clearly the highlight of their campaign so far.

With star forward Carlos Vela returning into action, David Moyes doesn’t have too many selection worries at the moment, but he is expected to make changes to his starting 11.

Dani Estrada, David Zurutuza and Joseba Zaldua remain on the sidelines, while Ruben Pardo and Alfred Finnbogason are pushing for starts.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Rulli – C. Martinez, Ansotegi, Yuri, Gaztanaga – Pardo, Granero – Prieto, Canales, Castro – Finnbogason.