Barcelona is eager to recover from their recent El Clasico defeat as they face Real Sociedad in the 2023-24 La Liga campaign. Real Sociedad, coming off a Copa del Rey victory, is determined to maintain their strong form.
Match Preview
In this season’s La Liga, Real Sociedad has shown consistency with five wins, four draws, and two losses in their 11 matches, amassing 19 points.
This puts them in the fifth position, just five points behind fourth-placed Barcelona.
Real Sociedad’s recent success in the Copa del Rey saw them advance with a 1-0 win over Bunol, thanks to Carlos Fernandez’s goal in the 67th minute.
Additionally, they’ve performed well in the Champions League, topping their group with seven points from three matches.
However, Real Sociedad has yet to find their best form in La Liga, winning only one of their last three matches, including a 2-2 draw against Rayo Vallecano in their most recent outing.
Nonetheless, they remain unbeaten at home in all competitions, winning four of their last five La Liga games at their own stadium.
Barcelona, on the other hand, took an early lead in the last match against Real Madrid with Ilkay Gundogan’s sixth-minute goal.
Still, Jude Bellingham’s two goals in the second half secured a victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
It was Barcelona’s first loss of the season, placing them fourth in the table, four points behind Real Madrid.
Xavi’s team is entering a crucial phase of their schedule with matches against Real Sociedad, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Alaves before the November international break.
They have a strong position in the Champions League, leading Group H with nine points from three matches.
Barcelona’s recent record against Real Sociedad away from home is impressive, with no losses since April 2016.
Team News
Real Sociedad will miss Andre Silva, Kieran Tierney, and Martin Merquelanz, but Ander Barrenetxea, who suffered a head injury, is expected to play.
For Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha may start after returning from injuries.
Jules Kounde is also in contention, while Frenkie de Jong and Pedri remain doubtful.
Sergi Roberto is out with a calf problem, and Oriol Romeu could return to midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Real Sociedad:
- Remiro;
- Traore, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Munoz;
- Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino;
- Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
Barcelona:
- Ter Stegen;
- Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde;
- Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan;
- Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix
Prediction
This clash promises to be a tough one for Barcelona, as Real Sociedad boasts quality throughout their squad.
However, Barcelona needs a win, and we predict Xavi’s team will secure a narrow 2-1 victory at the Reale Arena.