MX23RW : Tuesday, November 5 05:49:17| >> :120:6753:6753:
[monks data]
Real Sociedad logo
La Liga | Gameweek 2
Aug 21, 2022 at 9pm UK
Reale Arena
Barcelona logo

Real Sociedad
1 - 4
Barcelona

Isak (6')
Elustondo (21'), Le Normand (41')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Lewandowski (1', 68'), Dembele (66'), Fati (79')
Araujo (51')

How Barcelona could line up against Real Sociedad

How Barcelona could line up against Real Sociedad
© Reuters
Sports Mole looks at how Barcelona could line up in Saturday's La Liga clash with Real Sociedad.

After Barcelona dropped two points against Rayo Vallecano in a 0-0 draw at Camp Nou on matchday one, head coach Xavi could be considering changes for his side's trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Sergio Busquets received a second yellow card in injury-time against Rayo so he will serve a one-match suspension, with Franck Kessie and Frenkie De Jong battling to replace him in the deep-lying midfield role.

Given that both midfielders made a positive impact on the game after coming on during the second half, Xavi could elect to start both of them, with Gavi making way after a below-par performance.

That would free up Pedri to be a more creative influence in the final third, with Kessie and De Jong providing greater physicality and mobility for what represents a tough away match.

In defence, new signing Jules Kounde has still not been registered, with the club needing to move more players off their wage bill before they can do so. Andreas Christensen had a decent debut following his move from Chelsea, and he could be partnered by Sergio Araujo, who struggled at right-back against Rayo but looked more assured after moving inside to his preferred central role.

That would leave Sergi Roberto as the primary option to provide more natural ability at right-back, with Eric Garcia dropping out of the starting XI.

In attack, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski both blanked on debut but they will almost certainly start again, with Ansu Fati potentially replacing Ousmane Dembele on the left flank after an extremely bright cameo.

Ferran Torres was an unused substitute after his recent foot injury, so the former Manchester City forward will hope to receive crucial minutes from the bench this time around.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Christensen, Araujo, Alba; De Jong, Kessie, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Fati

ID:492587:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3684:No Data Analysis info
Game History

How you voted: Real Sociedad vs Barcelona

Real Sociedad
14.1%
Draw
18.3%
Barcelona
67.6%
241
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona attacker Raphinha celebrates scoring against Real Madrid on July 23, 2022
Read Next:
Barcelona 2022-23 season preview - prediction, summer signings, star player
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Buccaneers
@
Chiefs
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!