Verdict: Robert Lewandowski to score anytime
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
Hoping to extend their stay at the top of the La Liga table on Sunday afternoon, Barcelona will welcome Real Sociedad to Catalonia.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, suffering what was an infamous last-gasp collapse earlier in the week as they eventually had to settle for a remarkable 4-4 stalemate against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona are seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, although Hansi Flick’s men might have entered Spain’s festive break in the midst of a minor rut, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his squad come roaring back in some style. Finding a route back to the top of the La Liga table, Saturday’s hosts are unbeaten in all of their previous 14 appearances across all competitions. Crowned Super Cup champions over in the Middle East last month as they clinched a famous 5-2 victory against arch-rivals Real Madrid, Barca have certainly gained a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third.
Barcelona Team News
Not making a single appearance since sustaining a long-term knee injury back in September, veteran goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is not expected to play any part over the remainder of the campaign. Likewise, still dealing with a calf issue, former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen remains on the sidelines.
Enjoying what has been another sensational free-scoring flurry in Catalonia and leading the chase for this season’s Golden Boot, Robert Lewandowski will spearhead Flick’s attack. Academy graduate Gavi could be could be handed a full recall in the middle of the park.
Real Sociedad
As for the visitors, getting their Copa del Rey semi-final adventure underway with a 1-0 loss at home against Real Madrid earlier in the week, Sociedad have the feel of a squad desperately seeking some much-welcomed stability. Despite storming their way to a routine 3-0 victory against Leganes last weekend, Imanol Alguacil’s side have won just a pair of their previous seven showdowns against La Liga opposition. Despite extending on their Europa League campaign last month as they secured a thrilling 7-3 aggregate win against Danish outfit Midtjylland, Sociedad have gained an unwanted reputation for their issues away from the Reale Arena. Including a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Real Betis on February 16th, Alguacil’s camp have lost four of their last five showdowns outside of the Basque Country.
Real Sociedad Team News
Confirming in midweek that Russian international Arsen Zakharyan has sustained a thigh injury, the 21-year-old will miss out on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, picking up an ankle issue against Midtjylland while in Europa League action last month, academy graduate Jon Pacheco remains on the sidelines.
Although attacking talisman Mikel Oyarzabal might have notched just a single strike from any of his previous 12 appearances across all competitions, the Spanish international will lead Sociedad’s charge. West Ham loanee Nayef Aguerd should be partnered with Aritz Elustondo at the back.
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and Real Sociedad met for their reverse La Liga meeting on November 10th, Sunday’s guests collected a 1-0 victory at the Reale Arena.
- However, Flick’s title contenders have won eight of their previous 10 meetings across all competitions.
- Real Sociedad have collected just a single victory in Catalonia since way back in May 1991.
- Barcelona have recorded 45 goals across all competitions since returning from Spain’s festive break.
- Sociedad have lost four of their previous five matchups away from the Reale Arena across all competitions.
Conclusion
Suffering an infamous last-gasp collapse at home against Atletico Madrid earlier in the week, Barcelona will know that they don’t have any time to feel sorry for themselves. At the heart of a La Liga title scrap, Flick’s side will be looking to cash in on a Sociedad squad that have continued to show some worrying issues outside of the Basque Country. Losing four of their previous five showdowns away from the Reale Arena, Barcelona will know the importance of avoiding a potential banana skin on Sunday afternoon.
Verdict: Robert Lewandowski to score anytime
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
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