A defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico dropped Barcelona to second in the La Liga standings. Quique Setien is yet to implement his philosophy within the group, but the show must go on. The Catalans are now gearing up for yet another tricky test against in-form Real Sociedad on Saturday evening.
The Basque outfit are in exquisite form this season and have won five successive games across all competitions prior to this weekend’s contest at Camp Nou. The reverse tie ended all square in San Sebastian and the champions, therefore, must stay cautious and uplift their game to secure a victory.
Barcelona Team News vs Real Sociedad
The Blaugrana have a few key long-term injury absentees in their ranks. A meniscus injury has ruled out Luis Suarez for months whereas Ousmane Dembele [thigh] is sidelined for the season with another unfortunate setback. Sergi Roberto is unavailable as well with a groin strain.
Barcelona Formation vs Real Sociedad
Although the gaffer has preferred a 4-3-3 in recent games, his decision of fielding a 4-3-1-2 against the Blancos didn’t work out at Santiago Bernabeu. Setien, therefore, must go for a ‘front three’ on Saturday evening and battle it out against the upbeat Imanol Alguacil’s army who are fighting for a Champions League berth alongside Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia and Getafe.
Predicted 4-3-3 Barcelona Lineup To Face Real Sociedad
Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegan has been immense between the sticks and should keep hold of his ‘number 1’ role ahead of Neto.
However, the central defensive pairing of Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti has struggled at times against pace and flair. But the Barca boss is unlikely to experiment with his backline and might also retain Nelson Semendo and Jordi Alba in their respective fullback roles amid the form and fitness woes of Junior Firpo and Sergi Roberto.
Midfield
Despite not being in the best of form, Frenkie de Jong should operate from central midfield alongside veteran Sergio Busquets. Arthur has not been impressive either, and the gaffer should rely upon the experience of Arturo Vidal in the middle of the park.
Attack
The absence of Luis Suarez is massive in the attacking third even though Antoine Griezmann has netted a few while leading the line. Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine, had an underwhelming El Clasico but should be determined to bounce back in front of the home crowd. Ansu Fati, club’s new teenage sensation, should be lined up from the beginning to cause menace with his pace, swift skills and flashy footwork.
