R. Zaragoza vs R. Sociedad Preview

Zaragoza play host to Real Sociedad on Monday night rooted to the foot of the Primera Division table with only one win and 10 points from their 16 matches to date.

However, it was a similar story 12 months ago with Zaragoza starting 2010 second-bottom of the standings and without a win in two months, and on that occasion the Aragonese side - with the aid of seven new signings during the January transfer window - managed to battle their way out of trouble before finishing the campaign in 14th place.

Goalkeeper Leo Franco said: "January is a month in which things can be evened out. There is still time for us to move out of trouble."

Coach Javier Aguirre, who has yet to taste victory since replacing last season`s hero Jose Aurelio Gay in November, is well aware the pressure is on, saying: "January is a key month for many of us and for the futureof the club.

"It`s very important to start well. We need to win after the defeats to Villarreal and Real Madrid.

"We`ve been near the bottom of the table practically all year and a victory would help rid us of some of this pressure and boost our confidence."

Whereas Zaragoza have had a tough season so far, Sociedad have enjoyed a fine return to the top flight since winning the Segunda Division title last season.

They are ninth in the table with 22 points, four off the European places and nine clear of the relegation zone.

Sociedad forward Antoine Griezmann said of tomorrow`s game: "We need a win. We have the potential to be in Europe."