Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid preview - Benzema: We`re getting better

Posted Saturday, October 29, 2011 by PA

Karim Benzema has seen a noticeable improvement in Real Madrid's team play this season.

The striker netted for the sixth successive home game in all competitions as Real defeated Villarreal 3-0 in midweek.

And after a run of five successive victories, which yielded 20 goals, the France international is pleased to see the team a point ahead of title favourites Barcelona in the Primera Division table ahead of the trip to Real Sociedad.

He told Marca: "I do not know if we are better than Barcelona - but we are working on it.

"I think we are playing better as a team and the idea is to continue in this line."

Benzema is enjoying his football after feeling the frustration of injury twice this year.

He missed several weeks towards the end of last season because of a thigh injury, while a groin strain earlier this month kept him out of action for his club and country.

The 23-year-old said: "The truth is I'm very happy. To me it's important to feel good, have no hassles. The injuries have finished and that's what makes me feel good."

Real boss Jose Mourinho is choosing to play only one striker, with Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain in prime contention for the role.

However, Benzema has no issue with the challenge, adding: "The important thing is we get goals and the team wins.

"We can be together in the team - we have played together - but this is a coach's decision, not mine.

"Jose Mourinho is the one who decides, who knows what is best for the team."

With that in mind, Mourinho could start Higuain, while Kaka could also come in for Mesut Ozil in midfield.

The visitors are expected to be without Raul Albiol, who is currently nursing a fractured cheekbone, while Nuri Sahin (knee) and Ricardo Carvalho (back) have been struggling with injury.

Real Sociedad could also go into the contest with just one striker - on-loan striker Carlos Vela.

Captain Mikel Aranburu could return in the centre of midfield while Xabi Prieto may return to the starting line-up ahead of Daniel Estrada.

The Basque side started the season brightly with two wins and a draw from their first four games, including a draw with Barcelona.

However, Philippe Montanier's men have slipped to 15th in the table after picking up just a single point from their five matches since, the most recent of which was Wednesday's last-gasp 3-2 defeat at early season pacesetters Levante.