Real Sociedad vs Espanyol preview - Prieto demands improvement

Real Sociedad captain Xabi Prieto is hoping that clear-the-air talks amongst the squad can propel them back to winning ways when they host Espanyol.

Sociedad have taken just one point from their last three league games and were beaten 2-0 by Segunda Division side Cordoba in the Copa del Rey in midweek, meaning they have still to win away from home in six attempts this season, and Prieto is all too aware that record is not good enough.

He told Diario Vasco: "We have all spoken together before training this afternoon and we don't think we can make excuses. This is the moment to be critical of ourselves and demand more of ourselves to turn the situation around.

"It is not just the Cordoba match. There are many matches away from home where we have not been good enough. We need to demand more.

"When something happens a couple of times, it could just be a coincidence. When it happens again and again then it isn't. It is happening for some reason.

"We are not doing the same at home as away and it was necessary to speak amongst ourselves and leave things clear because these next three games at home and the one away to Malaga will mark the future of the team."

Prieto is expected to return to the side after being dropped for Monday's 2-2 draw with Valladolid, whilst the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Inigo Martinez should return after being rested against Cordoba.

Espanyol also suffered disappointment in the cup as they lose the first leg of their tie 3-1 to Sevilla on Thursday night but manager Mauricio Pochettino was quick to point out before that game that the league is his priority and he will recall a number of his key players for the trip to San Sebastian.

Pochettino will though be forced into at least two changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Malaga last weekend as Juan Forlin and Victor Sanchez are suspended, but Diego Colotto returns from his one-game ban and should take Forlin's place in central defence.