Match Preview
Barcelona will hope to provide a extra convincing away efficiency on Sunday after they return to LaLiga motion in opposition to Actual Sociedad.
The Blaugrana had been victorious on their travels final day out within the league, beating neighbours Espanyol 2-0.
Nonetheless, solely a string of saves from ex-Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia prevented his former membership from taking the lead, earlier than late objectives from Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowksi sealed a derby win.
Hansi Flick’s adopted up that success with wins over Athletic Bilbao and Actual Madrid that clinched Supercopa de Espana glory, they usually had been then made to work onerous to beat Segunda leaders Racing Santander 2-0 within the Copa del Rey.
Barca shall be only a level forward of Madrid within the LaLiga title race ought to Los Blancos see off Levante on Saturday.
And they’ll know they’ll ill-afford an off-colour efficiency in opposition to a Sociedad aspect unbeaten of their final 5 in all competitions, with new coach Pellegrino Matarazzo overseeing three of these video games following his appointment on December 20.
Matarazzo led Sociedad to a draw with Atletico Madrid and a win over Getafe in LaLiga earlier than success on penalties within the Copa del Rey in opposition to Osasuna.
That run of type has ensured that Barca will face a Sociedad group in excessive spirits.
Matarazzo advised his pre-match press convention: “The newest outcomes permit the boys to play with extra confidence. Will probably be vital to reconnect with the spirit of the town and the stadium, which is essential to us.
“We already know the standard of Barcelona, and if we wish to win we have to carry out our greatest in all phases of the sport.
“All we’ve got to do is be related and play with excellent high quality.”
Staff Information for Actual Sociedad v Barcelona
Gavi and Andreas Christensen stay on the sidelines for Barcelona owing to knee accidents.
The hosts shall be with out Inaki Ruperez on Sunday by means of harm, whereas Yangel Herrera and Orri Oskarsson are additionally set to overlook out.
Predicted line-ups for Actual Sociedad v Barcelona
Actual Sociedad: Remiro; Aramburu, Caleta-Automobile, Martin, Gomez; Soler, Turrientes; Kubo, Mendez, Guedes; Oyarzabal.
Barcelona: J.Garcia; Koundé, Cubarsi, E.Garcia, Baldé; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha; Torres.
Stats for Actual Sociedad v Barcelona
Barcelona have suffered a defeat to Sociedad in two of the final three seasons.
Three of the final 4 video games between these sides on the Anoeta have been determined by a 1-0 scoreline.
Sociedad have already misplaced 4 dwelling video games this season.
Each of Barcelona’s defeats within the league have come on their travels, the Blaugrana crushed by Actual Madrid and Sevilla.
