Copa del Rey Tips: Moyes' Real Sociedad are vulnerable

David Moyes is unbeaten after two games as Real Sociedad boss

Michael Lintorn forecasts David Moyes' first serious setback, and a dull second half at the Bernabeu...

Real Madrid v Cornella
Tuesday, 19:00
Live on Sky Sports 5

Match Odds: Real Madrid 1.041/25, Cornella 80.079/1, The Draw 36.035/1

It was once the case that Real Madrid would rank a tie like this below buying polish for the trophy room and checking the club canteen's sugar supplies in the priority list, but their 0-4 embarrassment away to Alcorcon in 2009/10 appears to have altered their outlook. In the four editions since, they have won the trophy twice, lost a final in extra time and exited to Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

With a 16-match winning streak and 4-1 first-leg lead on their side, they are headed for the latter stages again. You are unlikely to make millions backing them at 1.041/25 though, so try this instead: laying the second half to have the most goals at 2.111/10 or shorter. The closing 45 outshone the opening in just one of Real Madrid's last nine games, with the first half "winning the first leg" 3-2.

Recommended Bet: Lay the second half to have the most goals @ 2.111/10

Huesca v Barcelona
Wednesday, 21:00
Live on Sky Sports 5

Match Odds: Huesca 41.0n/a, Barcelona 1.091/11, The Draw 17.016/1

Whereas Real Madrid (Cornella) and Atletico Madrid (L'Hospitalet) are facing relative unknowns, Barcelona are up against a club who were in La Liga as recently as six years ago. They are two tiers lower down the league structure now, but are third in their division and have won four successive fixtures.

However, a defeat prior to that to Real Madrid's B team shows where they truly lie in the food chain, and they could be the perfect opponents to coax Pedro out of a club goal drought stretching over two months. The Spain international netted in both legs last season in this round against Cartagena.

Recommended Bet: Back Pedro to score

Real Oviedo v Real Sociedad
Thursday, 19:00
Live on Sky Sports 5

Match Odds: Real Oviedo 6.611/2, Real Sociedad 1.574/7, The Draw 4.03/1

David Moyes discussed his desire to perform well in the cups shortly after arriving in San Sebastian, yet he has been placed in instant danger of an upset against one of the best-supported sides beyond the top flight, who are top of their third-tier division thanks largely to seven home wins from eight.

Real Sociedad haven't triumphed on their travels since visiting Aberdeen in a Europa League qualifier in early August and, despite reaching the Copa del Rey semi-finals last term, they have an awful away record in the competition, suffering eight losses in 11 and prevailing only twice in 13 trips.

Recommended Bet: Lay Real Sociedad to win @ 1.584/7