Almeria vs Real Sociedad preview - Only a win will do for Sociedad

Posted Monday, March 24, 2014 by PA

Real Sociedad and Almeria head into Monday's game at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos with an urgent need for three points, but for different reasons.

The Basques have not given up their fight to qualify for the Champions League again but, with Athletic Bilbao moving nine points clear in fourth spot, anything other than a win against Almeria will force Jagoba Arrasate's side to reassess whether catching their local rivals is indeed possible.

Almeria meanwhile have not won any of their last five league games and are in the relegation zone, but, with fellow strugglers Valladolid and Getafe failing to win this weekend, a win for Francisco Javier Rodriguez's side will see them exit the bottom three.

Real Sociedad striker Imanol Agirretxe was involved in a relegation battle with his team three seasons ago, which is why he knows Almeria will not be easy to turn over.

"There's little time left until the end of the season and we know what the pressure is like when you are trying to avoid relegation," he told reporters.

Arrasate offered a similar message in his pre-match press briefing, declaring: "There's not that much difference between the teams at the top and those near the bottom of the league, and I'm certain they won't give anything away to us without a fight."

The suspension of Jose Angel means left-back Alberto De la Bella returns to the team for the first time in three and a half months due to a combination of injuries and the consistent form of Angel.

Almeria will be without striker Rodri, who was sent off in the 3-1 defeat at Rayo Vallecano last weekend, meaning Jonathan Zongo is likely to lead the team's attack.

Rodriguez admitted his team were "very upset" after the defeat to Rayo, but added: "They have received support from everyone and want to respond with a triumph over Real Sociedad.

"One point won't be enough, we have to go for all three. We have to be 100 percent in defence and be bold and ambitious, but while maintaining order at the same time."