Real Sociedad vs Mallorca preview - Lopez ready for war

Mallorca defender Antonio Lopez believes Sunday's game at Real Sociedad is a must-win encounter and he has promised to "make war" with the opposition.

Lopez has not played for the struggling islanders since their 1-0 defeat to Getafe in early October because of a knee injury.

However, the former Atletico Madrid defender is in line for a recall to a Mallorca side who are one place off the bottom of the Primera Division table having registered just four victories.

They face a Sociedad side sitting comfortably in ninth, but Lopez says he will make them feel anything but if he takes to the field at the San Sebastian.

"I'm very happy because I'm with the team and ready to make war again," he told reporters. "It has been three hard months, three months of hard work, three months to think about the injury 24 hours a day.

"I'm ready to be available to the coach," he said.

The presence of the former Spanish international will be a welcome boost for Mallorca, who have lost their last three matches.

"The team has tried at all times with all its might," he added. "The results have not been what we have desired and hopefully this week we will change the dynamics and start winning three points.

"We have to win because we are in a delicate situation, no excuses and we have to go for the game."

New signings Alan Hutton and Fernando Tissone, who arrived on loan from Aston Villa and Sampdoria respectively, could make their debuts.

Although the pair only joined a few days ago, they have already impressed defender Antonio Luna.

"Tissone is an aggressive player who gives the team character," he told reporters. "Hutton is also aggressive as are all Britons and he is a very successful signing."

Sociedad midfielder Ruben Pardo is looking forward to the clash as Philippe Montanier's men look to maintain their recent impressive form, which included a 3-2 win over leaders Barcelona a fortnight ago.

However the first league encounter of the season went the way of Joaquin Caparros' side who won the game 1-0.

"It is clear that the games against our rivals (Mallorca) are not going very well, but on Sunday we have to change that streak and achieve a very important victory," Pardo told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"I think teams know that Anoeta is not an easy ground and we will come to defend and wait for the counter. Mallorca I think will also play that way and we will see who does it better."