Barcelona would have to cope up with a tough away trip to Real Sociedad this weekend as they look to consolidate their position at the top of the La Liga standings. The Catalans have begun the new campaign with three wins on the spin while scoring 12 goals in the process. However, Ernesto Valverde’s men would come up against a Sociedad side who have made a mixed start to their season.
It could be a tricky tie for Barca to contend with but with the front three of Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi in such great form, we can anticipate the away side to dominate the contest and come away with maximum points. Valverde is expected to line up with the same team that faced Huesca and might opt to stick with his favoured 4-3-3 formation.
4-3-3 Barcelona Predicted Lineup To Face Real Sociedad
Defence
Marc Andre ter Stegen is expected to retain his place in the Catalans first-team after conceding two goals against Huesca before the international break. Jasper Cillessen would have to settle for a spot on the bench and await his opportunity in Valverde’s team. The German goalie started the La Liga season with two clean sheets in back to back matches, and so he would hope to replicate that kind of performance away at Real Sociedad this weekend.
Both Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti have developed a good partnership in central defence and should start on Saturday. Sergi Roberto would operate as the right-back while Jordi Alba should look to use his blistering pace down the left side of the Barca back four.
Midfield
Valverde might decide to stick with his favoured central midfielders in Phillipe Coutinho, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic. The trio would be responsible for dominating proceedings and helping establish Barca’s possession-based football at the centre of the park.
Rakitic got his name on the scoresheet in his last league outing so we can expect either him or Coutinho to pitch in with a goal away at the Anoeta Stadium.
Attack
Barcelona’s terrific front three of Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi would be expected to get the goals this weekend. All three forwards registered their names on the scoresheet against Huesca earlier this month with Messi and Suarez both scoring a brace each. However, things will be quiet difficult for them as they will come up against a Sociedad team who are tough to beat in front of their home supporters.
Malcom will start on the Barca bench and might come on during the contest if needed.
