Winless in their last three competitive outings, La Liga top-four hopefuls Sevilla travel to Real Sociedad looking to end the mini-run and win for their coach Eduardo Berizzo who returned to the dugout following his cancer operation.

Real trouble for Sociedad

Real Sociedad find themselves in the middle of a poor stretch which saw them lose four of their last six matches in all competitions. To make things worse, the Whites and Blues failed to win any of those fixtures and the pressure is mounting for Eusebio Sacristan ahead of the weekend duel with Sevilla.

Having won only three of possible fifteen points over their last five La Liga matches, Real Sociedad dropped to tenth place in the standings and need to win in order to get back in the hunt for European places. Their lack of form is worrying however, knowing they failed to keep a clean sheet only once in last six matches. The successive home defeats are not a proimising sign ahead of the Sevilla visit and head coach Sacristan is standing in front of a giant challenge during the week.

His job will be made harder knowing that hosts will be without the experienced forward Imanol Agirretxe who is out of contention with a thigh injury, whereas midfielders Kevin Rodriguez and Jon Guridi are also sidelined with injuries.

Berizzo’s Back

Sevilla head coach Eduardo Berizzo took charge of his first match since having a prostate cancer surgery and was welcomed with a roaring reception at Sanchez Pizjuan during his team’s match against Levante on Friday.

Los Rojiblancos failed to crown the emotional occasion with three points as they were forced to settle for a goalless stalemate against La Liga strugglers. Having won only one point over last two La Liga matches, Sevilla missed a chance to leapfrog reigning champions Real Madrid in fourth and join the chase for the Champions League places. Berizzo’s men are urged to get back to winning ways following their inconsistent start to the season and put additional pressure on Los Blancos who are only two points away.

Portugal defender Daniel Carrico has been ruled out through a thigh injury, whereas Nicolas Pareja is unavailable through a hip problem. In the meantime, midfielder Walter Montoya is still nurturing his groin injury.

Verdict

The pressure is rising for both Real Sociedad and Sevilla who need a win to turn their fortunes around and go on the winter break in a positive light. Sevilla have their head coach back at the helm and Berizzo’s presence in the dugout could prove to be a vital push for Los Rojiblancos against the indisposed Real Sociedad.

Top pick: Sevilla   3.25 (9/4) @Sportingbet

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score – yes   1.53 (8/15) @10Bet

Alternative pick 2: Over 2.5 goals   1.62 (8/13) @Betfair