Prediction: Real Sociedad vs Barcelona

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 5/7

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Barcelona will seek a fifth consecutive La Liga win as they take on Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium on Sunday night.

Hansi Flick’s team has dominated Spain’s top flight this season, holding a nine-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad have struggled to find consistency and sit in 11th place, falling short of expectations in their 2024/25 campaign at this point.

Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad head into their clash with Barcelona following a 2-1 Europa League loss to Viktoria Plzen, a result that has left them in 25th place in the overall table with just four points from four matches. In La Liga, Sociedad’s mixed form – four wins, three draws, and five losses from 12 games – places them 11th on 15 points, six behind fourth-placed Villarreal but only four points ahead of 15th-place Leganes. Although they’ve shown defensive solidity, conceding just 10 goals (third-best in La Liga), their attack has faltered, with only 10 goals scored, among the league’s lowest.

Notably, Sociedad have struggled at home, with only four points from six matches – the poorest home record in La Liga. They now face a Barcelona side boasting the division’s best away performance, a formidable challenge for Alguacil’s underperforming squad.

Team News

Sociedad face Barcelona with several key players out, as Nayef Aguerd, Ander Barrenetxea, Benat Turrientes, Pablo Marin, Hamari Traore, and Arsen Zakharyan are sidelined due to injuries. Coach Imanol Alguacil is expected to adjust his lineup from their recent Europa League match, possibly bringing in Brais Mendez and Aritz Elustondo to bolster the squad.

Mikel Oyarzabal is anticipated to lead the attack in a central role, while Martin Zubimendi, drawing interest from top European clubs with his consistent performances, will anchor the midfield.

Barcelona

Barcelona will head to the Anoeta Stadium with a strong record, having not lost to Real Sociedad there in La Liga since 2016 and winning 10 of their last 11 encounters across all competitions. The Catalan giants are on a seven-game winning streak, including a 5-2 Champions League triumph over Red Star Belgrade, placing them sixth in the tournament’s overall standings. Domestically, Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga with a 3-1 Catalan derby victory over Espanyol, currently nine points ahead of Real Madrid, though Los Blancos have a game in hand.

Under Flick, Barcelona’s attack has been prolific, with 40 goals scored in 12 league games. Key contributors include Robert Lewandowski with 19 goals and two assists, Raphinha with 12 goals and 10 assists, and young talent Lamine Yamal, who has recorded six goals and eight assists this season.

Barcelona’s form and depth across their lineup should make them a formidable challenge for Real Sociedad.

Team News

Barcelona continue to manage Gavi’s return carefully following his knee injury, with the midfielder likely to see time as a substitute in this match. Hansi Flick is expected to make several lineup adjustments from the Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade, including bringing Alejandro Balde back to the left-back position and Dani Olmo into the starting XI. Frenkie de Jong, who featured midweek, should retain his spot in midfield, while Pau Cubarsi is anticipated to start despite recently sustaining a facial injury.

Prividing Cubarsi is indeed fit to play, Barcelona’s missing players for the La Liga clash will include Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Conclusion

Given Real Sociedad’s inconsistent form this season, it’s hard to envision them securing a favorable result against a Barcelona side brimming with momentum.

Barcelona have been relentless in recent games, especially with their formidable attack firing on all cylinders. With Flick’s team in top form and aiming to maintain their commanding position, they’re well-positioned to add another three points to their tally before the international break.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 5/7

Bookmaker: Olympusbet