Barcelona have ground to make up if they are to win La Liga again this season after their defeat to Real Madrid last weekend but face a tough task on Saturday night with a trip to Real Sociedad.
There’s a five-point gap between Barca and Real Sociedad but the two sides are fourth and fifth respectively, so this is a big game for the home side and their hopes of Champions League qualification.
Xavi Hernandez’s side will still believe they have what it takes to beat Madrid to the title again this season despite Jude Bellingham’s late winner in Catalonia. Girona and Atletico Madrid are on the scene though, so Barca will not want to lose any ground on those above them.
Here’s all you need to know about Real Sociedad vs Barcelona in La Liga this weekend.
Real Sociedad vs Barcelona H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (all competitions)
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Country |
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United Kingdom |
Viaplay UK, LaLigaTV |
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United States |
ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
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Canada |
TSN+ |
Real Sociedad have been dealt the harsher hand when it comes to absentees. They are without Andre Silva, Kieran Tierney and Martin Merquelanz, three players who would normally be involved.
Ander Barrenetxea had to be taken off in the last game with a head injury and there’s a chance he won’t feature, but he is expected to recover. There are still some very dangerous players like Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo in the team.
Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-3-3): Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Munoz; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
Things are looking much better for Barcelona from a fitness perspective compared to a couple of weeks ago, with Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both coming back into the fray against Real Madrid last weekend.
Xavi has also described Pedri as “available and at 100%” ahead of Saturday’s game, but Frenkie de Jong has not been included in the squad. There is also scope for Jules Kounde to potentially start as he slowly recovers.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix
There is potential for this to be a really fascinating game as Real Sociedad are never an easy team to beat, but Barcelona are a better side with the players they are welcoming back from injury.
Considering the injuries Sociedad are dealing with and that Lewandowski is set to start, Barcelona should have what it takes to get a result in the Basque country.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-2 Barcelona
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