Real Sociedad look well placed for a Champions League spot

Last season La Liga produced a thrilling fourth place battle, with Real Sociedad and Valencia going toe-to-toe until the final day to earn that coverted final Champions League spot.

It was Sociedad who came out on top, securing their highest league finish since 2002 by a single point.

Erreala have lost their starman from the last campaign, with Spanish under-21 international Asier Illarramendi departing to Real Madrid in a £34 million pound deal.

However, they have so far managed to retain the services of last year’s two top scorers in the shape of Carlos Vela and Imanol Agirretxe, who played crucial roles in their push for a place in Europe’s premier competition.

La Real have also added 21-year-old prospect Haris Seferovic to their ranks.

The young striker hit 10 goals in 18 starts on loan to Novara from Fiorentina last term and could flourish in La Liga.

They were also solid at the back, conceding the fewest goals of all sides outside of the top four, with goalkeeper Claudio Bravo ranking fifth in the Zamora Trophy standings.

The Basque side are 10/3 to repeat that feat again in 2013-14.

Meanwhile, Valencia appear destined to lose their talisman Roberto Soldado at long last.

The Spanish striker hit 24 goals for Los Che as he reaffirmed his status as one of the league’s finest forwards.

Tottenham are keen to secure his services and his move could leave the cash strapped Mestalla residents in a spot of bother.

Los Murciélagos look too short at 10/11 given they were ousted by Sociedad last season, and the imminent departure of their number nine.

Sevilla are also available at 6/1 for those looking for an option at longer odds.

They have been shorn of their most impressive performer, Alvaro Negredo making a high profile switch to ManchesterCity.

It will be difficult to replace a man who notched 25 times in La Liga, but the arrival of highly rated wide man Marko Marin from Chelsea may go some way to filling that void.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.