Real Sociedad vs Barcelona: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, line-ups, prediction

Real Sociedad face Barcelona in La Liga at Anoeta Stadium on Sunday evening, aiming to end the defending champions’ 11-game winning streak across all competitions.

Sociedad registered a 2-1 win at Getafe last time out, while Barcelona claimed a 2-0 victory at Espanyol in their last league fixture.

Match preview

Sociedad have endured a poor start to the season, collecting just 21 points in 19 matches. They have also won just three of their home games so far.

However, La Real defeated Barcelona in the corresponding fixture last term and could draw inspiration from that performance to prevent a defeat here.

Sociedad may look to exploit Barcelona’s high defensive line, though their ability to be clinical in front of goal while keeping things tight at the back will be crucial.

Hansi Flick’s side arrive at this clash on the back of their Spanish Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid and a 2-0 victory over Racing in the Copa del Rey.

Barcelona sit top of the standings, four points clear of second-placed Madrid, and will aim to consolidate their position with a victory over Sociedad.

The defending champions have won their last four games on the road, further strengthening their credentials as favourites for this encounter.

Head-to-head

Of the 78 previous league meetings between the two sides at Anoeta, Sociedad has registered 30 wins, Barcelona 23, and 25 ended in draws.

Team news

The hosts are without Inaki Ruperez and Orri Oskarsson through injury. Duje Caleta-Car, Yangel Herrera and Sergio Gomez have overcome their fitness concerns and participated in Friday’s training.

Barcelona remain without Gavi and Andreas Christensen.

Predicted line-ups

Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Alex Remiro, Jon Aramburu, Duje Caleta-Car, Jon Martin, Sergio Gomez, Carlos Soler, Benat Turrientes, Takefusa Kubo, Brais Mendez, Goncalo Guedes, Mikel Oyarzabal.

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia, Alejandro Balde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski.