Preview: Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad

Atletico Madrid will be looking to keep up the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona when they play host to Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Diego Simeone's men are level on points with the Catalan side at the top of the table, but sit second on goal difference.

The 4-2 win over rivals Rayo Vallecano last weekend means that Atletico are unbeaten in their last 12 league outings.

The visitors cemented their place in the top six when they thrashed Elche 4-0 on Monday.

Atletico come into this weekend's game off the back of beating Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

Simeone is expected to bring David Villa back into the side after the striker was named on the substitutes' bench for the cup victory.

Sociedad coach Jagoba Arrasate has no fresh injury concerns, so could name the same XI that comfortably saw off Elche.

Recent form

Atletico Madrid: WWWDDW

Real Sociedad: WWWLDW

Possible starting lineups

Atletico Madrid: Courtois; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis; Koke, Garcia, Gabi, Adrian; Costa, Villa

Real Sociedad: Bravo; C. Martinez, Ansotegi, I. Martinez, Angel; Markel, Pardo, Prieto; Vela, Agirretxe, Griezmann

Sports Mole says: 2-0