Barcelona will be looking to make it six consecutive wins in La Liga when they host ninth-placed Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Barcelona have put in a lot of effort to reclaim the top spot, and now they will look to ensure they stay atop table with a win over Real Sociedad on Sunday afternoon. With title challenges Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid playing on Saturday, the Catalan giants will be aware of what they need to ensure they lead the race.
The Catalan giants have accumulated 54 points in their 25 matches. While a dip in form towards the end of 2024 did cost the Blaugrana big time, they have recovered and are back at the top. But they are level on points with Real Madrid and just a point above Atletico Madrid; as a result, they cannot afford to drop points.
Barcelona are heading into this one on the back of a 4-4 draw against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey. They were in complete control of the game but failed to get the job done in the semi-final first leg. However, having won five straight games in La Liga, they will be confident of getting things back on track.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad have accumulated 34 points in their 25 outings. While they are ninth on the table, the visitors are just a point behind sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano, which suggests they have everything to play for.
La Real have not been as consistent as they would like to be, and they are heading into this one on the back of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. Real Sociedad will certainly have to punch above their weight to secure all three points here. The Hard Tackle takes a close look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Barcelona
The hosts remain without the services of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal, while Andreas Christensen is all cleared to return. Hansi Flick will make a few changes to the XI that started in the Copa del Rey last time out, as Barcelona’s regulars are expected to be back against Real Sociedad.
The German tactician will stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Wojciech Szczesny should continue in goal. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will feature out wide on the flanks, while Ronald Araujo will partner with Pau Cubarsi at the heart of the defence.
Frenkie de Jong and Pedri should form the double pivot in midfield. They will look to control the tempo of the game and ensure they dominate the ball. Gavi will be the attacking midfielder, while Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will feature on the flanks, providing much-needed width to their attacks. Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for them for Barcelona against Real Sociedad.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Real Sociedad
Sheraldo Becker and Takefusa Kubo are both suspended for this fixture, while Igor Zubeldia is available after serving a ban in their last league outings.
The visitors will line up in a 4-5-1 formation, where Alex Remiro should take charge in goal. Jon Aramburu and Javi Lopez should be the full-backs for Sociedad, while Igor Zubeldia should pair up with Nayef Aguerd in the heart of the defence.
Ander Barrenetxea and Sergio Gomez will feature on the flanks in the centre of the park. Martin Zubimendi will take up the role of a defensive midfielder, while Pablo Marin and Luka Sucic will be in his support.
The trio will look to ensure Barcelona midfielders do not dominate the proceedings. Finally, Mikel Oyarzabal spearhead the Real Sociedad attack against Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Javi Lopez; Barrenetxea, Marin, Zubimendi, Sucic, Gomez; Oyarzabal
Key Stats
- Barcelona have won 35 out of the last 51 meetings against Real Sociedad, who only have eight victories to their name.
- The Catalan side boasts an exceptional home record against Real Sociedad, emerging victorious in 25 of their last 26 matches.
- The visitors have beaten Hansi Flick’s team twice in their last four La Liga clashes after a run of 16 games with just one win.
- The Blaugrana have scored in each of their last 37 home games against Real Sociedad in La Liga (87 goals).
- Hansi Flick’s team are heading into this fixture on the back of five straight wins.
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal
With 28 goal contributions in his 34 outings, Yamal has been one of the standout performers for Barcelona in the ongoing campaign. It is not normal for a 17-year-old to be dominating at the highest level. The teenage sensation is certainly a special talent, and given the kind of form he has been in, the Spanish international can certainly have a big say on the result of this fixture.
Prediction
Barcelona 2-0 Real Sociedad
Barcelona did go through a rough patch of form, but they are back at their best. The Blaugrana have been on a dominating run in the recent past, and having won each of their last five league games, they are favourites for this one as well.
Real Sociedad do not have a decent head-to-head record against the Catalan giants, and they might struggle to get the desired result here. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Hansi Flick and his charges.
