Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad: First lineup without Lionel Messi

Defence:

Right back: Sergino Dest

Sergino Dest’s debut season can be termed as a success. After initial struggles, the former Ajax man became blossomed under Koeman and the 3-5-2 formation. Dest still needs to improve defensively but his attacking abilities are what make him such a dangerous full back.

Koeman seems to prefer a back four this season, so Dest is to play as a right back and not a right wing back. With no Messi on right, it will be interesting to see how the USMNT international occupies the space on the right.

Centre back: Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique still seems to be going strong at 34 and is expected to be the backbone of the rearguard once again. With youngsters like Garcia, Araujo and Mingueza around him, the Spaniard will not only act as a leader but also a tutor to the youth this season, who will take over the baton in a few years’ time.

Centre back: Ronald Araujo

When Barcelona played with a back three, Pique, Araujo and Clement Lenglet filled in that role. When Pique and Araujo were injured, de Jong played as a libero and Oscar Mingueza was played as a right sided centre back. In a back four, Koeman would favour Araujo to partner Pique rather than Lenglet. The Uruguayan is reliable, defensively solid and is a neat passer.

Left back: Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba was a man reborn last season, registering 15 assists and being the explosive full back he’s known to be. Barcelona sold Junior Firpo and are without a backup for Alba. The Spaniard had a telepathic connection with Messi, something that he will miss this season onwards.