The Anoeta has been a tough stadium for Barcelona to visit over the past decade, but a bold approach from Ernesto Valverde could see him rewarded.
Last season, Ernesto Valverde used a 4-4-2 set-up to grab a win at the Anoeta for the first time in the league in 10 years. Barcelona did go 2-0 down, but they rallied and put in a strong second half performance to win 4-2, as was customary last season. This is the first major test of the season for the Catalans’ title defence, so how Valverde sets up will be a key indicator of his future plans for the team.
Real Sociedad are vastly different this season even though they have most of the same personnel because of the change in manager. Eusebio Sacristan used an expansive 4-3-3 set-up, which seriously challenged Barcelona’s control of the game as well as their rhythm when they were playing at the Anoeta. Therefore, the 4-4-2 worked well in providing the team with a solid platform to work from, which allowed them to absorb opposition attacks.
Sociedad’s set-up was susceptible to the counter-attack due to the high defensive line and holes that were left by marauding full-backs, so other teams such as Real Madrid exploited this ruthlessly. Sacristan ultimately lost his job because his methods were no longer bringing success after a 9th and 6th place in his first two seasons. They were 15th in the table when he was sacked, although there was a sizeable 12 point gap on the relegation places.
Asier Garitano has been brought in this season after a successful spell with Leganes in which he managed to keep them in the league for the past two seasons after bringing them up to the top division from the third division in three years even though they have minimal resources. He has implemented a counter-attacking approach which has had mixed success so far with four points from the opening three games.
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Sociedad are likely to cede possession and territory against Barcelona even though they are at home, so a 4-3-3 would be better on a basic level in circulating possession and keeping up pressure on their defensive shape. The 4-4-2 was useful in maintaining defensive solidity by shutting down the opposition attacks, with Paulinho playing a big part in that last season, but it isn’t needed in this match because it sacrifices attacking freedom to some extent.
La Real sold Alvaro Odriozola to Real Madrid in the summer who was a key part of their attacking set-up, even though he was a right-back, due to his dangerous overlapping runs. Sergio Canales and Xabi Prieto joined Real Betis and retired respectively in the summer, and they were pivotal parts of Sacristan’s philosophy as well.
They still have potent attacking weapons such as Juanmi and Mikel Oyarzabal, but how they set up should make them easier to deal with. Willian Jose could miss the match, which is a bonus considering he has scored four times in his last seven games against them.
Valverde has to opt for a 4-3-3 formation, though, because they will be tough to break down due to the organisation Garitano has drilled into them. Ousmane Dembele will be key in stretching them horizontally and destabilising the defence so that there is space in central areas for Lionel Messi and Philippe Coutinho. It’s brought wins in all four competitive games so far this season, so sticking with it is the best option.
Consistent service to Messi from the midfield and sustained periods of pressure are the best way to break down this Sociedad team. It would be nice to see players like Arthur Melo and Nelson Semedo starting, but Valverde can’t afford to take risks in this game. It would be better to use them and others on the fringes of the first-team in the matches against Girona and Leganes. They may need to be patient in this match, but Messi should deliver as he usually does with his creativity and goalscoring instinct.