Preview:Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad

Real Madrid will renew their La Liga title challenge against Real Sociedad following the Spanish winter break.

Madrid suffered uncharacteristically poor form before the break, going three games without a win in all competitions, a run which saw them eliminated from the Copa del Rey and 16 points behind league leaders Barcelona.

Sociedad, on the other hand, ended 2012 on a run of eight games without defeat, leaving them seventh in the Primera Division.

Madrid will be without trio Raul Albiol, Gonzalo Higuain and Marcelo through injury, while Sergio Ramos and Pepe are suspended for the match.

Sociedad, meanwhile, are missing midfield duo Bergara and Elustondo through injury.

Madrid have won the last seven meetings between these two sides, the last of which was a 5-1 win back in March, while Sociedad have not beaten the reigning champions since 2004.

Recent form

Real Madrid: LWWDL

Sociedad: DWDDW

Possible lineups

Real Madrid: Casillas; Essien, Carvalho, Varane, Arbeloa; Di Maria, Khedira, Alonso, Ozil; Ronaldo, Benzema

Sociedad: Bravo; Gonzalez, De La Bella, Carlos Martinez, Inigo Martinez; Vela, Illarra, Ruben Pardo, Prieto, Griezmann; Ifran

Sports Mole says: 2-0