Preview: Barcelona face Real Sociedad at the Estadi Olimpic
Barcelona and Real Sociedad go head-to-head on Sunday evening, as Hansi Flick’s side look to continue their unbeaten run in LaLiga this season on their own turf.
By Matt Smith
La Real’s first victory of the season came earlier this week, beating Mallorca, while Barcelona beat Real Oviedo on Thursday.
In this fixture last season, which was the previous meeting between the two sides, Barcelona secured an emphatic 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad. Four different goalscorers found the back of the net that day – Gerard Martín, Marc Casadó, Ronald Araújo, and Robert Lewandowski.
Team news
Barcelona have a host of injury troubles heading into this game, with Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi, and Fermín López all ruled out. Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde are doubts, so there’s a chance they also miss out.
For the away side, Yangel Herrera and Orri Óskarsson are both sidelined, while Aritz Elustondo, who was sent off in the previous meeting, is a doubt.
Barcelona ruthless in front of goal
It’s been an exciting start to the season from an attacking perspective for Barcelona, scoring a whopping 3.2 goals per game, more than any other side in LaLiga. They’ve created 13.9 expected goals, while producing eight shots on target per match.
Flick’s side have also looked solid defensively, conceding just 0.7 goals per game. Flick will be disappointed not to have won all six games after throwing away a lead against Rayo Vallecano, but they’re in a strong position to continue their fine form.
Real Sociedad struggling in front of goal
La Real haven’t been scoring as freely as they would have liked, finding the back of the net just six times since the start of the season. They’ve created 8.6 expected goals and created 14 big chances, but getting the ball over the line has been a problem this term.
Sergio Francisco’s side’s first victory only came earlier this week, losing three of their opening five games before that. They’ll be hoping that’s the catalyst to kickstart their campaign, but it doesn’t get much more difficult than Barcelona away from home up next for La Real.
Rashford the not-so-secret weapon
Marcus Rashford has begun settling in at Barcelona, and he’s looking somewhat back to his best in the last few weeks. The England international has provided four goal contributions in four games for his new club, and with Lamine Yamal injured of late, there’s been more pressure on him to deliver in the final third.
If Yamal is still on the treatment table against Real Sociedad, then Rashford could be the man Flick turns to for some creativity and a goalscoring threat. If he continues his excellent form, La Real will have to be careful.
Prediction
Considering Barcelona are unbeaten and have won both of their home games in LaLiga this season, scoring nine goals without even conceding, it’s hard not to see a convincing win for Flick’s side.
We’re going for a 3-0 victory to Barcelona.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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