Real Sociedad vs Barcelona preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

This fixture provides Barca the opportunity to take advantage of the Real Madrid coach situation and recent setbacks to widen the gap between them, while Real Sociedad will be the obstacle in the way of Blaugrana.

Recent results have favoured Real Sociedad as they are gradually getting back to winning ways. Their recent match ended in a narrow victory after a 3-2 penalty shootout against Osasuna in the Copa del Rey.

However, Pellegrino Matarazzo's side needs a lot of improvement in league matches if they want to finish in the top half of the league table. Sociedad is currently 11th on the table with 21 points.

For Barcelona, they're one of the hottest clubs in Europe at the moment. The Catalan giants are currently on an 11 game winning streak, including winning Real Madrid 3-2 to win the Super Cup title.

Hansi Flick's men will be aiming to win all available trophies this season, having recently progressed to the last 8 teams in the Copa del Rey. The defending champions beat Racing Santander with 2 second half strikes from Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal.

As expected, Barcelona have dominated the fixtures against Real Sociedad. In their last 10 meetings, the La Liga leaders won 8 of those encounters while their host managed to win 2. In their last meeting, Barcelona won the tie 2-1 early in the season.

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Real Sociedad will need to be on top form if they hope to win against this Barca side. However, the home team will be without Yangel Herrera, who has yet to feature for the team since joining.

Matarazzo will be hoping for positive news regarding Benat Turrientes' recovery as the manager will be hoping that he passes the final fitness test.

Barcelona are in the best shape heading into this match, as there are no new injuries or concerns for Hansi Flick. Frenkie de Jong will be available for this match, having served his suspension in the Copa del Rey fixture.

Hansi Flick will have a little trouble selecting the right frontline as the German tactician has a variety of options at his disposal. The front three will likely consist of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha.

Real Sociedad (4-4-2): Remiro; Gomez, Caleta-Car, Martin, Aramburu; Guedes, Soler, Zakharyan, Kubo; Oyarzabal, Mendez

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Raphinha, Fermin; Lewandoski

Barcelona are clear favourites coming into this fixture because their form is top-notch, and they will want to use this Madrid coach situation to increase the gap on the table.

While you can bet on Barcelona to win on Livescorebet, staking on their opponents to score is a common feature of matches involving the Catalans.

Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-3 Barcelona

• Bet on Barcelona to win

• Over 2.5 goals

• Raphinha to score