Real Sociedad vs Barcelona Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Definitely the standout marquee occasion in La Liga this weekend’s comes in the Basque Country as a new and improved Real Sociedad welcome defending champions Barcelona.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Real Sociedad preview: New era for La Real
Over the winter break Real Sociedad took the decision to replace underperforming coach Sergio Francisco with American boss Pelligrino Matarazzo, formerly of Hoffenheim.
Matarazzo’s first game in charge saw La Real outperform Atletico Madrid in a 1-1 draw before a much-deserved last gasp win at Getafe and then a defeat of Osasuna on penalties in the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona preview: Brilliant Blaugrana
Barcelona survived a bit of a scare in midweek but managed to eventually overcome second division league leaders Racing Santander by two goals to nil in Cantabria, courtesy of second-half strikes from Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal.
The Blaugrana haven’t been at their absolute best this season but they sit four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga at the half-way stage, in the last eight of the Copa del Rey, going well in the UEFA Champions League and are winners of this season’s Supercopa de Espana, defeating Madrid in Saudi Arabia last weekend.
Real Sociedad team news: Oskarsson a doubt
Iceland international striker Orri Oskarsson is a fresh doubt for Real Sociedad this weekend, while versatile midfielder Inaki Ruperez is their only confirmed absentee.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Jonas Martin, Caleta-Car, Sergi Gomez; Kubo, Brian Turrientes, Carlos Soler, Guedes; Brais Mendez, Mikel Oyarzabal
Unavailable: Inaki Ruperez (Injured)
Questionable: Yangel Herrera (Injured), Oskarsson (Injured)
Barcelona team news: Fresh Pedri & Raphinha
Barcelona named a strong team against Racing in midweek but Pedri and Raphinha were both rested and so should be fit and firing for this clash at the Reale Arena.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Alex Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha; Ferran Torres
Unavailable: Christensen (Injured), Gavi (Injured)
Questionable:
Real Sociedad vs Barcelona prediction
Even though they haven’t been at their best, as mentioned, Barca have still scored 53 La Liga goals in 19 games. They are, though, even more susceptible at the back and in transition than last season, too, and Real Sociedad have reason to believe that their recent improvement will see them at least unsettle Hansi Flick’s Catalans, although Barca remain firm favourites.
Real Sociedad vs Barcelona tip: Barcelona to win & both teams to score
