Antoine Griezmann likely to be benched with the return of Ronald Araujo

With Atletico Madrid dropping nine points in their last six league games, the race for the league title is more alive than ever. In order to maintain pressure at the top, the Catalan giants need to keep mincing three points each and every game.

Ever since the turn of the calendar, the Blaugrana have been able to find their rhythm in the league securing 31 points out of a possible 33. The Catalans will look to build on their splendid form in the league.

The away fixture at Real Sociedad has always been a tricky one for the Garnet and the Blue. However, Barcelona have now won eight consecutive away league games and will look to extend this streak. This certainly means that the Dutch manager will be looking to play his strongest possible lineup.

Over the last few weeks, Koeman has preferred to go with a 3-5-2 formation. Ronaldo Araujo made a successful return to the team last week. The Uruguayan looked solid as ever after he replaced Frenkie De Jong.

With Araujo back at the center of defense, De Jong will move back to his original position in the midfield, with Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele up top. This implies that Antoine Griezmann will most probably be seen warming the bench at Anoeta.

The Frenchman redeemed himself after a poor start to the season in the first couple of months of the new year with three goals and four assists to his name. However, since the introduction of the 3-5-2 formation, on more occasions than not, Griezmann has started as a substitute.

But, given the fact that the French forward has spent a considerable amount of his time in Spain for La Real, Koeman might be considering giving the World Cup winner a shot at redemption. It remains to be seen what starting lineup will the Dutch manager start with, the reports from Catalonia are certainly not encouraging for the French forward.