Softfootball previews Sunday’s La Liga face-off between Real Sociedad and Barcelona, offering insights on expected lineups, team news, and predictions. Barcelona heads to Anoeta Stadium, aiming for a fifth consecutive league win under Hansi Flick, who has seen his team dominate La Liga this season. Currently nine points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, Barcelona stands atop the table, while Real Sociedad has had a challenging season so far, sitting in 11th place after some mixed results.
Match Preview
Real Sociedad enters the weekend following a 2-1 Europa League defeat to Viktoria Plzen, which placed them 25th in the Europa standings with only four points from four matches. Their domestic performance has also been uneven; with four wins, three draws, and five losses in La Liga, they currently hold 15 points from 12 matches. This season, the Basque side has not met the expectations set for them, and they currently trail Villarreal in fourth place by six points. Although Real Sociedad boasts one of La Liga’s best defensive records with only ten goals conceded, their offense has struggled, scoring just ten goals, among the lowest in the league. Their home record has also been disappointing, having earned just four points from six games at Anoeta, and they now face Barcelona, the team with the best away record in La Liga.
Barcelona, meanwhile, has had a remarkable season under Flick. Unbeaten in their last seven games, the Catalans are fresh off a 5-2 Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade, which has put them sixth in the overall standings. Their most recent league game saw them beat Espanyol 3-1, and they hold a nine-point lead over Real Madrid, although Madrid has a game in hand. Flick’s squad has recorded 11 wins and a single loss in 12 La Liga matches, with an impressive 40 goals scored. Key players like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha have been prolific, with Lewandowski netting 19 goals and Raphinha contributing 12 goals and ten assists this season. Rising star Lamine Yamal has also been crucial, scoring six goals and adding eight assists in his 16 appearances.
Team News
Real Sociedad will be without several key players due to injuries, including Nayef Aguerd, Ander Barrenetxea, Benat Turrientes, Pablo Marin, Hamari Traore, and Arsen Zakharyan. Head coach Imanol Alguacil may shuffle his lineup, with Brais Mendez and Aritz Elustondo expected to start. Mikel Oyarzabal will likely lead the offense, while Martin Zubimendi anchors the midfield.
Barcelona has a few injury concerns of its own, with Gavi’s return being carefully managed after a knee injury. Flick is expected to make adjustments from the recent Champions League win, with Alejandro Balde and Dani Olmo likely to start. Frenkie de Jong should continue in midfield, and Pau Cubarsi is anticipated to play despite a recent facial injury. Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are sidelined for this fixture.
Expected Lineups
Real Sociedad’s potential lineup: Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Elustondo, J. Lopez; Mendez, Zubimendi, Sucic; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Gomez
Barcelona’s potential lineup: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, I. Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Real Sociedad’s struggles this season may continue, as Barcelona is in top form and has the attacking talent to capitalize on any defensive lapses. Flick’s side is favored to secure another three points before the international break in November.
