Real Sociedad vs Barcelona: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Barcelona are aiming to restore their nine-point lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday evening when they visit Real Sociedad.

Real Madrid's commanding 4-0 victory over Osasuna on Saturday reduced Barca's lead to six points at the summit but they will fancy their chances of regaining their impressive buffer over their Clasico rivals when visiting the Reale Arena.

Hansi Flick's side have won seven on the bounce in all competitions and show few signs of surrendering their imperious early season form. With their attack purring and their midfield reinvigorated after a flurry of injuries, La Blaugrana will be strong favourites to make it eight in a row against the Basque outfit.

Real Sociedad's underwhelming start to the 2024/25 campaign will only boost Barca's confidence. The Europa League side currently sit 11th in La Liga after an incredibly mediocre beginning, although they have won three of their last five domestic outings.

Here is 90min's guide to Barca's weekend clash.

Real Sociedad vs Barcelona H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Real Sociedad vs Barcelona on TV - UK and US

Real Sociedad team news

Nayef Aguerd is missing for Sociedad / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/GettyImages

Imanol Alguacil is without an array of first-teamers for Barca's visit, with Hamari Traore and Nayef Aguerd both missing in defence. The former will be out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Midfield has also been impacted by fitness concerns, with Arsen Zakharyan, Pablo Marin and Benat Turrientes all sidelined for Sunday's encounter, while Ander Barrenetxea will miss out on the left wing.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs Barcelona

Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-1-4-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Pacheco, Lopez; Zubimendi; Kubo, Mendez, Sucic, Gomez; Oyarzabal.

Barcelona team news

Pau Cubarsi suffered a facial injury last time out / PEDJA MILOSAVLJEVIC/GettyImages

Barca are still without a host of household names, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia all missing in the backline. However, Pau Cubarsi is expected to be fit despite suffering a cut to the face during the 5-2 midweek win over Red Star Belgrade.

In midfield, Frenkie de Jong should start alongside Pedri, with Flick being understandably cautious with Gavi's return from a long injury layoff. Young Marc Bernal is still sidelined and will likely be out for the rest of the campaign.

Ferran Torres is the only absentee in the final third for Barca, who have been in strong form in the opposition penalty area. Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski will make up a menacing front four in San Sebastian.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Real Sociedad vs Barcelona score prediction

Barca have been in such exceptional form that betting against victory for Flick's side is bordering on foolish. They should, on paper at the very least, have little trouble sweeping aside a Real Sociedad team that have struggled for goals this season.

Barca's devastating forward line will be keen to fill their boots at the weekend, with Lewandowski having scored 19 goals in just 16 outings this term. Mid-table Real Sociedad will likely be his next victims as they aim to frustrate the league leaders.