Valladolid vs Real Sociedad preview - Prieto eyeing to end away-day blues

Posted Monday, October 29, 2012 by PA

Real Sociedad captain Xabi Prieto is hoping the club can record their first away win of the Primera Division season when they meet Valladolid.

Sociedad have lost all four of their away matches so far, including a 5-1 hammering at Barcelona on the opening weekend of the season.

Former Spain Under-21 midfielder Prieto believes Sociedad have enough quality to record their first win on the road at Valladolid and is keen for the reliance on their home form to be a thing of the past after losing to Atletico Madrid last time out.

"Hopefully it (an away win) arrives soon and then we can string together a few wins," he told the club's official website.

"We knew that someday we would lose at Anoeta but we know that we will not lose every away game because we have the equipment and ability to do things just as well away from home."

Sociedad currently sit 15th in the table courtesy of three home victories and could leapfrog Valladolid if they manage to collect their first away win at Estadio Jose Zorrilla.

The home side will be missing striker Manucho for the game after the Angola international was sent off after scoring in the 2-1 defeat Malaga last time out.

His place in the starting line-up is likely to be taken by 30-year-old Javi Guerra and the former Valencia forward is ready to re-establish himself as first choice.

"When you play, you always have to be self-critical, see what you're doing wrong, and it's clear that when you lose your position it is because something is wrong," he told Valladolid's official website.

"But I'm also very demanding of myself and I also can affect the game a bit.

"Anyway, I have to try to recover my form and in the end if I play OK it will also benefit the group."