Prediction: Real Sociedad vs Barcelona

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what could prove to be a lively affair from the Reale Arena on Saturday night, Barcelona will make the trip to Real Sociedad.

Real Sociedad

Starting with the hosts, gaining a host of plaudits last season as they secured a Champions League return, Real Sociedad appear to have carried on from where they left off last season. While Imanol Alguacil’s side might have been last seen eventually having to settle for a lively 2-2 stalemate away at Rayo Vallecano, La Real have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Looking to once again establish themselves as a top-four outfit this season, the Basque-based outfit have also continued to shine while on the European stage. Already mustering seven points from their first three Champions League showdowns and sat in pole position to punch their knockout stage ticket, Alguacil’s squad will be looking to make another heavyweight statement this weekend. It is also worth highlighting, Real Sociedad have won each of their last three contests at the Reale Arena by an aggregate score of 8-3.

Team News

Dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single appearance this season, Real Sociedad will once again be unable to call upon 28-year-old Martin Merquelanz here. Likewise, struggling to find any kind of stability since arriving at the Reale Arena, this summer, Alguacil is still sweating over the fitness of Andre Silva.

Bagging a stellar brace away at Ray Vallecano last weekend and already registering six La Liga strikes this season, attacking talisman Mikel Oyarzabal will spearhead Alguacil’s charge on Saturday night. The Spanish intentional will be joined in the final third by 22-year-old Takefusa Kubo.

Barcelona

As for the visitors, suffering major El Classico heartbreak at the hands of Real Madrid last weekend as they eventually suffered an infamous 2-1 loss in Catalonia, Barcelona are seeking an immediate response here. Getting hit with their first defeat of the season, Xavi’s side will be more than aware that they face a real uphill battle if they are to keep hold of their La Liga crown this season. Opening up Saturday’s showdown sat four points adrift of Los Blancos, the Spanish giants should also be worried by their most recent meeting against La Real. In fact, when Barca welcomed Real Sociedad to the Nou Camp back on May 20th, Xavi’s men slumped to a lively 2-1 defeat. Although the reigning La Liga champions might be desperate to make their own respective statement this weekend, Barca will certainly have to be at their best in Basque County.

Team News

Dealing with an extended injury issue and not making a single appearance across any competition since back on August 20th, Barcelona are expected to once again be without midfield talisman Pedri on Saturday night. Likewise, Xavi’s men will also be without Dutch international Frenkie de Jong this weekend.

Coming off the bench and making a cameo appearance in last weekend’s 2-1 El Classico defeat, Polish record-breaking Robert Lewandowski should make a first La Liga start since the end of September. Notching his first Barca goal against Real Madrid last time out, İlkay Gundogan will once again partner Gavi in the heart of Xavi’s midfield.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on May 20th, Real Sociedad picked up a 2-1 win at the Nou Camp.
• However, Barcelona have won each of their previous three trips to the Reale Arena.
• Sociedad have won each of their last three domestic home fixtures by an aggregate score of 8-3.
• Barca have collected just a single clean sheet from their last five contests away from the Nou Camp.
• Six of the previous eight showdowns between Real Sociedad and Barcelona have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

In a contest that tends to produce fireworks, neutrals could be treated to another action-packed affair from the Reale Arena on Saturday night. Watching Barcelona suffer major El Classico heartbreak at the hands of Real Madrid last weekend as they eventually suffered a 2-1 loss in Catalonia, Xavi’s side are seeking some recent stability at the back. Hit with a 2-1 loss when they welcomed Real Sociedad to the Nou Camp back on May 20th, chances could come thick and fast here. It should be noted, with six of the last eight contests between Saturday’s opponents finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome this weekend.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Dachbet