Preview: Must win for Real Sociedad in Europa League

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MADRID, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- La Liga leaders, Real Sociedad are one of three Spanish sides in Europa League action on Thursday night along with third placed Villarreal and Granada, who are currently sixth in the table.

Real Sociedad entertain Dutch side AZ Alkmaar and can't afford to slip up again after last week's 1-0 defeat at home to Napoli.

The side from San Sebastian have been unstoppable in La Liga of late, with veteran midfielder David Silva taking on a key role after his arrival from Manchester City in the summer and Silva commented to UEFA that he knew he would feel at home in a side that likes to play open attacking football.

Coach Imanol Alguacil will make some changes to the side that won 4-1 away to Celta Vigo on Sunday with Alexander Isak likely to start along with teenage winger Ander Barrenetxea.

Villarreal enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 win at home to Valladolid on Monday night, but don't have much recovery time ahead of their home game against Maccabi Tel Aviv, and coach Unai Emery will make changes with Carlos Bacca and Take Kubo likely to lead the attack and Geronimo Rulli in goal, with Gerard Moreno, Paco Alcacer and Sergio Asenjo on the bench.

The side from the east coast of Spain have won their first two group matches and a win on Wednesday would all but assure Emery's men a place in the knockout stages.

Granada are also well-placed with four points from their first two games, but will be without Roberto Soldado and Jesus Vallejo for their trip to face Cypriot side, AC Omonia after the striker and the defender tested positive for the coronavirus.

Luis Suarez could start in attack for Granada, while Maxime Gonalons is likely to start after being sent off in the league game at home to Levante on Sunday. Enditem

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