Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Preview, predictions and lineups

Barcelona face Real Sociedad in La Liga on Monday night as they aim to bounce back from a poor run of form.

The Catalan giants have lost three of their last four matches, conceding 13 goals in the process, and were beaten 4-2 by Girona last time out. Barca were leading until the 65th minute but conceded three goals in the space of nine minutes to throw away the victory, seeing them drop to third in the table as a result.

Real Sociedad are currently sixth and scrapping to secure qualification for the Europa League next season having been a Champions League side this term. They have won four of their last seven matches in the league, including a 2-0 win over Las Palmas in their most recent outing.

The reverse fixture finished 1-0 to Barcelona back in November, with defender Ronald Araujo popping up with a 92nd-minute winner.

Here is 90min’s guide to Barcelona vs Real Sociedad.

Barcelona vs Real Sociedad H2H record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Barcelona are without three players for the visit of Real Sociedad, with long-term absentees Gavi and Alejandro Balde still sidelined and missing for the rest of the season.

Midfielder Frenkie de Jong is also unavailable with an ankle injury suffered in the 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid back on April 21.

Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Pedri, Christensen, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.

Real Sociedad have a whole host of injuries to contend with prior to Monday’s clash, with Martin Zubimendi missing from the base of midfield. In defence, Igor Zubeldia, Carlos Fernandez and Arsenal loanee Kieran Tierney are also sidelined with injuries, while Aihen Munoz is missing up top.

Hamari Traore is also a doubt for the clash having missed Real Sociedad’s last two matches, but could return in some capacity in Catalonia.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup (4-3-3): Remiro; Odriozola, Le Normand, Pacheco, Galan; Merino, Benat, Mendez; Kubo, Becker, Oyarzabal.

Barcelona’s patchy recent form makes this far from straightforward, with Real Sociedad still fighting to ensure their place in next season’s Europa League. Xavi’s side have been woeful at the back but their Monday night opponents don’t tend to score too many goals.

With motivation not particularly high for Barcelona, they could be punished by Imanol Alguacil’s side.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-1 Real Sociedad

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90 Mins