Real Sociedad vs Levante preview - Prieto craving more luck

Xabi Prieto is hoping that Real Sociedad will benefit from a bit more luck when they face Levante than they have received in recent matches.

The Basque side lost 1-0 at Getafe on Saturday thanks to an unfortunate own goal from Inigo Martinez, but Prieto believes their overall performance deserved more.

He told a press conference broadcast on the club's website: "In the last few games we have lacked a bit of fortune. We have created more chances than the opponent, but if you don't have the capacity to take them then it is difficult to take the three points."

Prieto is also wary of a Levante side which moved back into fourth place with a 1-0 win over Villarreal last time out.

"To be fourth in the table at this stage of the season shows what an incredible season they have had," he said.

"Nobody thought they would remain so high up for such a long time, but the truth is they know how to close the back door and they come out at speed on the counter-attack."

Antoine Griezmann is suspended for the hosts so Imanol Agirretxe should return to lead the line with Carlos Vela dropping into a deeper role.

Javi Venta has also acknowledged that Levante's achievements this season have been remarkable and believes that should they win at the Estadio Anoeta they can seriously start looking towards European qualification.

He told Marca: "At this point of the season to have 41 points for a team like ours is unthinkable at the start of the year.

"If we can pick up points in our two games this week then obviously we can begin to look at other goals. We have to maintain the excitement and aspire to achieve really important things this year."

Valdo will serve a one-match ban after receiving his fifth booking of the season last time out so Ruben Suarez may be given a rare start after his game-changing display from the bench against Villarreal.