Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo preview - Illarramendi - We're the Real deal

Posted Saturday, August 25, 2012 by PA

Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi is still convinced the Basque side can be the surprise package in Spain this season, despite a 5-1 hammering at the hands of Barcelona on the opening weekend.

Sociedad coach Philippe Montanier looks to have made a number of shrewd signings over the summer as Carlos Vela made his loan move from Arsenal permanent, while Gonzalo Castro and Jose Angel joined from Real Mallorca and Roma respectively.

Those players were unable to help Sociedad avoid a Nou Camp thrashing, but Spain Under-21 international Illarramendi is confident of better times ahead as his side prepare to welcome newly-promoted Celta Vigo to Anoeta.

He told AS: "We can do something big and even be the revelation of the league. However, we cannot think our objective is Europe because there are many teams that have that objective and if we do this we will put ourselves under more pressure which might affect us.

"We have to go game by game, we are capable of big things and we will see where we finish.

"We knew that playing against Barcelona was going to be very difficult. Now we are playing our first game at home and therefore we want to, and need to, have a good game."

Vela and Angel are expected to start after only coming on as substitutes against Barca, but Gorka Elustondo is a major doubt so his place may be taken by Markel Bergara.

Celta, meanwhile, also suffered disappointment on the opening day as they conceded late to lose 1-0 at home to Malaga.

However, the Galicians have been boosted by the signing this week of Denmark international Michael Krohn-Dehli and he believes he is at the right stage in his career to make a major impact.

He told the club's website: "I can be one of the leaders of the team. I arrive in a good moment, I am 29 so have experience of already playing many matches. I am very confident in my abilities and I am prepared to leave my stamp on La Liga. The most important thing though is to help achieve survival."

Krohn-Dehli is expected to go straight into the team to face Sociedad with Alex Lopez or Cristian Bustos likely to drop out.