Predicted Barcelona lineup against Real Sociedad

What a turn La Liga has seen. The league which was supposedly over and decided has sprung back to life like never before. Every match day feels like it could prove to be decisive. Every match has the potential to imply drastic changes in the standings. Moreover, every team now has something to fight for, with which comes drastic costs for losses.

Barcelona to find themselves in similar territory. The Catalans now sit four points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid. Having been thumped out of the Champions League by Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, all eyes will be on Diego Simeone’s men in anticipation of the response. While on one side, such a devastating exit could have massive repercussions on the morale of players, there is a strong counter-argument as to the renewed focus on the League.

Nevertheless, Barcelona will have to come away with all three points against difficult opposition to keep the pressure on the leaders. Here is how Barcelona could lineup against Real Sociedad.

Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen will undoubtedly be the starter on the night. After the gross injustice with the inexistent penalty against Huesca, the German will be keen to get back onto a clean sheet performance.

Despite Ronald Araujo receiving medical clearance, Koeman went for the safer option by not rushing him back. With a couple more days rest under his pocket, the Uruguayan seems set to start the big game. In the absence of Gerard Pique, he will be the leader at the back.

Clement Lenglet will look to put up a top performance ahead of national duty. With Didier Deschamps having plenty of options in central defence, it will require special performance from Lenglet to book a starting spot. With the Euros coming up, he will be more determined than ever to solidify his role.

The three-man backline will be completed by Oscar Mingueza. The youngster has received a call up to the Spanish U-21 side, and rightfully so. Mingueza has been stellar in defence, growing exponentially with every passing game. He will be a central figure in Sundays’ clash.

Midfield

Sergio Busquets is the first name to fill the spot in midfield. In past weeks, the veteran has been nothing short of stellar. He is undoubtedly the heart of the side, and his presence will be vital against a threatening Real Sociedad.

The man of the moment, Pedri, will look to bolster up yet another masterclass. With his first outing with the Spanish National team just around the corner, he will push himself to the limit. Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong will round off the centre of the park by starting in his usual advanced role. The Dutchman is only one booking away from a suspension and will have to be on his toes on a tense night.

The midfield is completed by the two wingbacks. As Sergi Roberto aims for a post-international break return, Sergino Dest will continue to start on the right. The past two games have seen the USMNT star return to full flow, and all of it will be needed once again on Sunday.

Jordi Alba’s sensational season just gets better with every passing game. The new formation has brought out the best of the left-back and allowed him to free his chains and venture forward. Once again against Sociedad, he will look to be the difference-maker.

Forward

Lionel Messi has been the best player in the world in the year 2021, and it isn’t even up for debate. With the Argentine in such form, any opposition would have a sense of fear. The captain will once again look to lead from the front, or let’s say from outside the box.

The Lineup will be completed by Antoine Griezmann in the front. The Frenchman once again attested to his quality with a banger of a goal against Huesca. This time up against much tougher opposition, the #7 needs to strap on his seatbelt and deliver big.

Griezmann · Messi
Alba · Pedri · Busquets · de Jong · Dest
Lenglet · Araujo · Mingueza
ter Stegen

Substitutes

Ilaix Moriba in less than seven games has surpassed what Milalem Pjanic and Riqui Puig have managed over the season. This speaks volumes on Koeman’s confidence in the youngster. He could certainly come in the second half.

Ousmane Dembele and Francisco Trincao are some other reliable options on the bench for the manager. They could be summoned in the latter half of the game to exploit the oppositions tired legs.