Prediction: Barcelona vs Real Sociedad

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

The newly crowned La Liga champions Barcelona will play host to Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou on Saturday evening in the 35th round of the Spanish top flight. The game obviously has no competitive significance for the Catalans, but it would surely be nice for them to give their faithful supporters another reason to celebrate. On the other hand, the visitors need the points on offer to strengthen the hold on their place in the top four.

Barcelona

Much has been said about the crisis which has been plaguing Barcelona’s finances for a long time now. Many saw them as washed up, finished, and the way they left this season’s Champions League, and then the Europa League as well, only confirmed those suspicions.

However, a lot of water has passed down rivers since then, and Xavi Hernandez’s team gradually improved their performances, as well as results. They suffered a heavy blow at the hands of their bitterest rivals Real Madrid, who smashed them ruthlessly at the Camp Nou in the Copa del Rey semifinal, but their course towards the league title was unwavering, and now, the task is done.

Barcelona’s form has been quite good recently. Their last-six run in all competitions began with a goalless draw away to Getafe. Then came a 1-0 victory at home over Atletico Madrid, followed by a surprising 2-1 defeat away to Rayo Vallecano. Then they smashed Real Betis at home by 4-0 and beat Osasuna by 1-0, also at home, before confirming their title in a very sweet way – beating city rivals Espanyol away by 2-4.

Team News

Xavi doesn’t appear to have any injury concerns after Sergi Roberto recovered from a hamstring issue last week, but midfielder Gavi will miss this game through a yellow-card suspension.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be in goal, with Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Alejandro Balde forming the back line. Sergio Busquets, whose departure this summer is imminent, will anchor the midfield, joined by Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. Striker Robert Lewandowski should have Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha in support.

 Real Sociedad

As has been said, Sociedad do need the points, though even if they don’t get any at the Camp Nou, they should be able to qualify for the Champions League. Nonetheless, from their point of view, it would be nice to close the matter definitely as soon as possible, and they’ll surely be motivated against the champions.

At the moment, Sociedad are fourth with 62 points, five more than Villarreal in fifth, and seven more than Real Betis in sixth, seeking to ward off the challenges from these two rivals through the remaining four rounds.

Imanol Alguacil’s team left the Europa League soon after Barcelona, getting beaten by finalists AS Roma over two legs in the round of 16.

Sociedad’s recent form has been rather patchy. As for their list of the last six matches in all competitions, they lost 2-0 to Athletic in Bilbao, beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 at home, drew 0-0 away to Betis, beat Osasuna 0-2 away, helped Barcelona secure the title by beating Real Madrid at home by 2-0, and eventually drew 2-2 at home against Girona.

Team News

The attacking trio of Brais Mendez, Umar Sadiq and Martin Merquelanz is unavailable for Alguacil’s selection.

Alex Remiro should be in goal. The quartet of Andoni Gorosabel, Igor Zubeldia, Robin le Normand and Aihen Munoz will be at the back. Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi will be in the middle of the park, flanked by Tafekusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal. Striker Alexander Sorloth will be supported by former Manchester City star David Silva.

Conclusion

It should be an interesting clash without a doubt, and despite Sociedad’s current need, it doesn’t really stand to reason to expect the new La Liga champions to disappoint their supporters as they return to the iconic venue with the crown already belonging to them.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet