President Jose Luis Astiazaran admitted this week that the economic situation of the club is critical and has been since Real bought Darko Kovacevic, Nihat Kahveci and Sander Westerveld three seasons ago.

While refusing to resign, he said that the situation had worsened as a result of the failure of a new share project in December. Supporters are expected to vent their frustration by staying away from the ground and if they do so in sufficient numbers then they can beat the previous lowest attendance of 16,300 set in the 1995-96 season.

The decision to stay away could not come at a worse time for the team, who badly need the support of the public as the club’s problems are also mounting on the pitch. Real have lost their last five matches, including a 4-0 thrashing at home last weekend by in-form Villarreal. Nihat was missing for the Villarreal defeat through suspension and while his return will give a boost to the team, there remains a question mark over his long term future.

His strike partner Darko Kovacevic will be fit to play after recovering from a bout of flu, but Bittor Alkiza remains out injured.

Valencia saw their chances of winning the league further reduced last week as they could only manage a draw at home against Athletic Bilbao.

On the back of a defeat the week before it means that they are now 14 points behind leaders Barcelona. Coach Claudio Ranieri has hit out at the level of performance from his players over the last two games and says that they do not perform unless they are up against it. For all their off field problems, the return of Nihat is a major boost for Sociedad, and I think he can inspire them to a win today. I’m on Real Sociedad @ a huge 2/1 with Stan James [£25 Free Bet] – Valencia themselves are stumbling, and have been unimpressive. Sociedad can shock them tonight. Get On! (and bet with someone else’s money – use your free bet!)