Barcelona vs. Real Sociedad Preview: Prediction, H2H, Team News & Lineups | La Liga

Barcelona will aim to post a sixth straight victory in La Liga when they continue their campaign with a home fixture against Real Sociedad on Sunday afternoon.

Hansi Flick’s side are top of the La Liga table, ahead of second-placed Real Madrid on the head-to-head record, while Real Sociedad occupy ninth, one point behind sixth-placed Vallecano.

Barcelona have had an impressive season so far, winning 17, drawing three, and losing five of their 25 league matches. This performance has earned them 54 points, placing them at the top of the La Liga table. They are currently ahead of second-placed Real Madrid based on the head-to-head record and one point clear of third-placed Atletico Madrid.

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The Catalan giants have been in excellent form, securing victories in their last five La Liga matches and remaining unbeaten in six. Their recent 4-4 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final showcased their attacking prowess and resilience. Barcelona are also competing in the Champions League, with an upcoming last-16 clash against Benfica in Portugal.

Real Sociedad, on the other hand, have had a mixed season. They are currently in ninth place, with their performance in La Liga being inconsistent. Despite this, they are only one point behind sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano. The Basque team, led by Imanol Alguacil, are also competing in the Copa del Rey and the Europa League, where they will face Manchester United in the last-16 stage.

Real Sociedad recently suffered a 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final but bounced back with a 3-0 victory over Leganes in the league. However, their away form has been a concern, with only 14 points collected from 12 matches on the road.

 

The head-to-head record between Barcelona and Real Sociedad adds an interesting dimension to this fixture. Barcelona suffered a 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad in the reverse fixture earlier this season. However, in the corresponding fixture during the 2023-24 campaign, Barcelona emerged as 2-0 winners. This history suggests that while Real Sociedad can pose a challenge, Barcelona have the upper hand, especially when playing at home.

• Barcelona La Liga Form: DWWWWW
• Barcelona Form (all competitions): WWWWWD
• Real Sociedad La Liga Form: LLLWLW
• Real Sociedad Form (all competitions): WWLWWL

 

Barcelona will be without long-term absentees Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, Andreas Christensen has been cleared to feature after recovering from an injury. Head coach Hansi Flick is expected to make several changes from the side that started against Atletico in the Copa del Rey. Ronald Araujo, Gavi, and Robert Lewandowski are likely to be recalled to the starting lineup.

Inigo Martinez, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres are expected to drop to the bench, while Frenkie de Jong should retain his spot in midfield due to his strong recent form.

Real Sociedad will be without Sheraldo Becker and Takefusa Kubo, who are both suspended for this match. However, Igor Zubeldia will be available after serving his La Liga ban against Leganes. Javi Lopez is set to return to the team at left-back, while Sergio Gomez is likely to be recalled to a wide position.

Martin Zubimendi, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona, will feature in midfield, while Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to lead the attack, potentially over Orri Oskarsson.

• Goalkeeper: Szczesny
• Defenders: Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde
• Midfielders: De Jong, Pedri
• Forwards: Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha, Lewandowski

• Goalkeeper: Remiro
• Defenders: Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, J Lopez
• Midfielders: Barrenetxea, Marin, Zubimendi, Sucic, Gomez
• Forward: Oyarzabal

Given the current form and the head-to-head record, Barcelona are favorites to secure a win in this match. Real Sociedad are expected to provide a stern test, but Barcelona’s attacking quality and home advantage should see them through.

Barcelona have lost three league matches at home this season, but the Catalan giants are in excellent form. We expect Real Sociedad to give their fans a goal to cheer on Sunday, but Flick’s side should navigate their way to a very important three points.

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This La Liga clash between Barcelona and Real Sociedad promises to be an exciting encounter. With both teams fighting on multiple fronts this season, the stakes are high. Barcelona will be aiming to extend their winning streak and maintain their position at the top of the table, while Real Sociedad will be looking to climb up the standings and secure a European spot. Football fans can look forward to a thrilling match at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.