Barcelona are back in League action on Saturday, looking to make it eight straight victories, against 4th place Real Sociedad
Ernesto Valverde’s Barcelona dismantled Mallorca 5-1 at home in their previous league fixture and look to continue their seven-match win streak across all competition when they visit Anoeta.
Currently, the Catalan giants are atop of the La Liga table alongside rivals Real Madrid, with both teams level on 34 points. Blaugrana faces Los Blancos at the Nou Camp next Wednesday but before that must turn their focus to Sociedad.
Here is a look at how the defending champions could line up on Saturday,
Expected Starting XI (4-3-3):
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Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Right-back: Sergio Roberto
Centre-back(right): Gerard Pique
Centre-back(left): Clement Lenglet
Left-back: Junior Firpo
Central midfielder(right): Ivan Rakitic
Defensive midfielder: Sergio Busquets
Central midfielder(left): Frenkie de Jong
Right-winger: Lionel Messi
Center-forward: Luis Suárez
Left-winger: Antonie Greizmann
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been hailed an assist-king after aiding Greizmann’s opener against Mallorca. The German international has played a crucial role between the posts this season and will look to continue his outstanding performance.
Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo have both returned from their respective injuries and were seen training with the squad on Thursday. Roberto, however, is expected to start this one with Semedo looking to gain some minutes towards the end, as Valverde plans to use this opportunity to test both full-backs before Real Madrid’s visit to the Nou Camp next Wednesday.
Gerard Pique returns alongside Clement Lenglet to hold the Barca defense while Junior Firpo makes an appearance yet again, retaining his spot at Left-Back. Jordi Alba will most likely be waiting on the sideline looking to play for a few minutes in order to find his footing before the Clasico.
Ivan Rakitic has found himself as the favorite once again under Valverde. The Croatian in recent weeks has started four times in a row against Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Real Mallorca and then captaining the supposed Barca “B” team to glory against Inter. Sergio Busquets is expected to return to the defensive midfield position with Frenkie de Jong moving upfield as a playmaker. Youngster Carles Alena will be waiting on the bench alongside Arthuro Vidal as a possible substitute for Valverde.
With Ousmane Dembele being out for 10 weeks, fans will undoubtedly see the return of the front trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Greizmann. Ansu Fati and Carles Perez both had a fantastic match in the Champions League match at San Siro and will look to get another such opportunity against Sociedad.
Who would you like to see be featured against Real Sociedad?