All eyes will be on the Reale Arena in San Sebastián as Real Sociedad and Barcelona go at each other. Both sides require all three points for their own reasons and as such, they will be keen on getting the better of the other which points to a highly-competition matchup. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.

Barca recently got the better of Real Sociedad in the Spanish Super Cup via a penalty shootout. In the league, however, they did it in 90 minutes, winning 2-1 at the Nou Camp. The Catalans still haven’t lost to Sociedad since the 15/16 season and will be looking to stretch this run to 13 games.

Highly-spirited encounter on the cards

The chance of finishing in the top four has pretty much passed by given that Sociedad who are in 5th place are nine points behind Sevilla. However, they would be keen on holding on to the Europa League place with Betis and Villarreal hot on their heels. They were on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline on their most recent game away at Granada. Can they get back to winning ways this weekend?

Barcelona look no more like a shadow of themselves with brilliant performance over the past few weeks. Although they were knocked out of the UCL, they were immense in the second leg against PSG. They followed up this performance with a 4-1 victory at home to Huesca in a game in which Messi equalled Xavi’s record for most appearances for FC Barcelona. The Argentine ace netted a brace to celebrate the record with Mingueza and Griezmann netting the other goals.

Sociedad vs Barcelona Team News

David Silva had to be subbed off in the 27th minute against Granada and has now joined Moya, Sangalli and Sola on the injury list. With regards to the visitors, Pique, Fati and Coutinho are all out injured.

Sociedad possible starting XI:

Remiro; Gorosabel, Le Normand, Zubeldia, Munoz; Illaramendi, Merino, Guevara; Oyarzabal, Januzaj, Isak

Barcelona possible starting XI:

Ter Stegen; Lenglet, Araujo, Mingueza; Dest, Pedri, Busquets, Alba; Dembele, Griezmann, Messi

Sociedad vs Barcelona Prediction: 1-2

Although Barcelona hasn’t lost to Sociedad in quite a while, most of the victories were hard-fought. As such, we don’t expect them to have it easy on Sunday. However, the Catalans are playing very well at the moment and so far they can do exactly that at the Reale Arena, they should eventually get maximum points.