By Matt Smith
When the 2 sides met earlier within the season, Actual Sociedad secured a 1-0 victory due to a aim from Sheraldo Becker. Their final win at Camp Nou got here again in 2023, and so they’ll be hoping for a repeat of that consequence as soon as once more.
Flick may obtain a defensive increase
Barcelona shall be with out long-term absentees Marc-André ter Stegen and Marc Bernal, however Flick shouldn’t have any contemporary damage troubles to deal with.
Andreas Christensen may return for the house aspect after recovering from his current health drawback. We may see a bunch of adjustments from Barcelona after resting key stars resembling Ronald Araújo, Gavi, and Robert Lewandowski within the Copa del Rey semi-final final outing.
Raphinha unstoppable for Barcelona
Brazilian winger Raphinha has been a serious standout for Barcelona thus far this season, contributing 20 targets and assists mixed in LaLiga. The previous Leeds United man has created a whopping 73 probabilities, greater than every other participant within the league.
Solely Lewandowski has contributed with extra targets and assists mixed in LaLiga, whereas he additionally has the very best common FotMob score at 8.04. Raphinha has already surpassed his targets and assists tally from final season and can undoubtedly play a vital position in Barcelona’s race for the title.
La Actual hit with double suspension blow
Actual Sociedad shall be with out each Becker and Takefusa Kubo to face Barcelona with the duo lacking the sport because of suspension. Igor Zubeldia shall be again and accessible for choice, nevertheless, after serving his LaLiga ban of their earlier match.
The away aspect may very well be with out Arsen Zakharyan for the journey to Barcelona after he suffered a minor damage in La Actual’s sport in opposition to Leganés final outing. Jon Pacheco additionally appears set to overlook out.
Zubimendi the enforcer
Though Martin Zubimendi is commonly recognized for his high quality on the ball, his capacity off it will possibly generally go underrated. When going through a aspect of the standard of Barcelona, with La Actual more likely to have much less of the possession, Zubimendi’s defensive aspect of the sport may shine by way of.
The Spanish midfielder’s numbers with regards to recoveries, tackles, and successful duels are up there with the perfect in LaLiga. Though snug in possession, Zubimendi can do the soiled aspect, and that can undoubtedly be crucial in the event that they need to get a consequence in opposition to Barcelona.
Prediction
With Barcelona taking part in on their very own turf, it’s tough to see previous a victory for Flick’s aspect. Actual Sociedad have solely conceded on common 0.9 targets per sport, fewer than Barcelona, so it ought to nonetheless be a decent affair. We’re going for a 2-1 victory to Barcelona.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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