Moyes’ home debut as Sociedad seek three points against Elche

David Moyes’ first fixture in charge of new club Real Sociedad could have been worse. Starting with a clean sheet is the right way to go about things, and certainly in the his mould of football.

Former Everton boss Moyes made his debut in charge of the Basque Country club away at Deportivo La Coruna, which ended goalless, and Sociedad face another side currently in relegation zone, though on the same points as them, in Elche next.

Encouragingly, the home side are odds-on with Coral at 8/13 to win the match and are starting to put a bit of a run together; currently unbeaten in their last two.

The last time they played at home, Atletico Madrid came calling and Diego Simeone’s side succumbed to a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Basque boys.

Although Sociedad are lingering near the bottom of the table, in Moyes they have the perfect coach to steer them away from danger. When the former Manchester United manager took over Everton, they were hovering at the bottom of the drop zone.

Like the Toffees did, this could make for a good long-term project, and he seems like a good fit for the Basque club, though will be hoping he can keep hold of his better players. Carlos Vela netted last time out at home, and home and away against Elche last term, so the former Arsenal striker has a great chance to take his seasonal tally to three.

Sociedad have talent throughout their team, with 23-year-old Spain cap and centre back Inigo Martinez equipped with all the attributes to develop into one of the best in Europe. Former Real Madrid midfielders Esteban Granero and Sergio Canales, meanwhile, also have ability to live up to their early career potential.

Last season, the home side recorded a 4-0 victory over Elche, and a repeat result is on offer at 28/1 this time round. Their visitors clinched a draw in the reverse fixture, and in 2010 did the double over them in the Spanish Segunda Division.