Back home at Montjuïc this Sunday, Barça return to La Liga action determined to reclaim the summit. Coming off a hard-fought 1-3 win at Oviedo, Flick’s side now has the luxury — and pressure — of converting momentum into a statement performance. With Real Madrid’s stumble in the Madrid derby (5-2 loss to Atlético), Barça know victory here could put them back in control of the title race.
However, the squad arrives with several significant absences. Ter Stegen, Gavi, Fermín López, Raphinha, and Joan García are all unavailable, making rotation and tactical adjustments key concerns for Flick.
Barça have only dropped points in a single league game so far (vs Rayo Vallecano), and they remain one of the most potent attacking forces in La Liga with 19 goals in six matches.
A Look at the Opponent: Real Sociedad’s Struggles & Threats
Real Sociedad have underperformed this season. With just 5 points from 18 possible, the Basque side find themselves dangerously close to the bottom of the table. Their goal tally is modest (6 scored), and defensively they’ve conceded 9 so far, highlighting their imbalance.
Historically, Real Sociedad have trouble winning in Catalonia. In La Liga away vs Barça, they haven’t won since the 2022-23 season. In Montjuïc last year, they were lost 4-0; in San Sebastián, Barça eked out a narrow win (1-0).
Injuries plague them too: they’ll be without Aritz Elustondo, Yangel Herrera, Iñaki Rupérez, and Orri Óskarsson. The defense is expected to operate with Aramburu, Sergi Gómez, Igor Zubeldia, and Caleta-Car, with Remiro in goal. In midfield, Gorrotxategi and Pablo Marín will do the dirty work, with Brais Méndez and Barrenetxea ahead of them. Up top, Mikel Oyarzabal and Gonçalo Guedes will be the threat.
They will lean on experience and hope for mistakes by Barça, but the pressure is greater on the hosts to slip.
Predicted Lineup
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny returns to the starting role in Liga after months out, filling in for Ter Stegen and Joan García.
Defense: Jules Koundé is expected to resume his role, joined by Ronald Araújo and Pau Cubarsí in the center. Gerard Martín may hold down the left-back spot. Eric García is also in contention.
Midfield: Pedri is almost certain to start. Frenkie de Jong returns to the XI after missing parts of the Oviedo match; Marc Casadó is doubtful due to muscle issues. Dani Olmo should be part of the advanced midfield line.
Attack: Robert Lewandowski is expected to return as the central striker. Marcus Rashford keeps his place. Lamine Yamal comes back from injury and will likely be involved (either starting or from the bench).
Score Prediction
This is one of those games where the margin of difference in squad quality shows. Real Sociedad are vulnerable defensively and lacking width and depth, especially with injuries. Barça, on the other hand, despite missing players, have more attacking options and momentum behind them.
If Barcelona are sharp from the start, they should impose themselves. Sociedad may hang in for portions, but the finishing difference ought to tell.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Real Sociedad
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