FC Barcelona is back in top form, having won all four matches since the international break. During that stretch, they’ve scored fourteen goals and conceded just two, responding in style to Hansi Flick’s challenge for the squad to be “100 percent committed.” Now they turn their attention to Real Sociedad, just three days after a 3-1 comeback victory against Real Oviedo that extended their unbeaten run.
Team news isn’t all positive for Flick. Fermín López is out with a groin injury that has sidelined him for around three weeks, while Gavi has undergone knee surgery after damaging his meniscus, ruling him out for four to five months. Marc-André ter Stegen (back) and Alejandro Balde (hamstring) remain unavailable, and Lamine Yamal is not expected to be risked ahead of the crucial PSG encounter.
So with that in mind, here’s how Barcelona could line up against Real Sociedad:
FC Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
GK: Wojciech Szczęsny
With Joan García sidelined through injury, Szczęsny steps in between the posts. The experienced Polish international offers a dependable safety blanket, bringing authority and reassurance to the back line in García’s absence.
RB: Jules Koundé
Back in the lineup after being given a short breather earlier this week, Koundé has quietly become one of the most important players in Flick’s system. His dual threat, offering solidity in defense while also contributing in attack, makes him indispensable on the right flank.
CB: Andreas Christensen
Another player who came off the bench midweek, Christensen, getting back to proper fitness, has seemingly filled the hole left when Iñigo Martínez departed in the offseason, given the defensive stability he provides.
CB: Eric García
One of the most versatile defensive players in the league, García started off at right back in the previous match and, after a positive showing that saw him score the equaliser as well, should be the one pairing up with the Dane in the heart of the defence.
LB: Gerard Martín
With Baldé close to returning and likely to prioritize the PSG match, Martín is the left-back choice until his return, as he looks to gain more and more experience under Flick’s system, which relies heavily on the outside players.
CM: Frenkie de Jong (C)
Coming off the bench midweek, De Jong made an instant impact with the go-ahead goal assist, showcasing his attacking threat and marauding runs in the middle of the park. His influence in the engine room will be key, and he is likely to wear the captain’s armband.
CM: Pedri
The heartbeat of Barcelona’s creativity, Pedri’s ability to find space and link play will be essential in breaking down Real Sociedad’s midfield. He is truly undroppable and the player Flick trusts the most.
RW: Ferran Torres
With Raphinha ruled out through injury, Torres shifts over to the right wing. Rather than simply cutting inside like he does on the left, he will operate in a freer, more fluid role, drifting across the frontline, interchanging positions, and creating spaces where needed.
AM: Dani Olmo
With Fermín López unavailable, Dani Olmo steps into the central role behind the striker, a position that perfectly suits his vision and creativity. His knack for drifting into pockets of space and threading incisive passes will be vital in unlocking Real Sociedad’s defense.
LW: Marcus Rashford
Rashford retains his place on the left flank as Lamine Yamal edges closer to full fitness. The English forward’s pace and direct running remain valuable assets in stretching defenses, and he will once again be tasked with providing penetration in wide areas.
ST: Robert Lewandowski
Back among the goals as an impact substitute against Oviedo, Lewandowski should return to the starting XI here, taking the striker role. His vast experience, lethal finishing, and instinctive movement in the penalty box make him a constant threat, offering Barcelona a direct option in front of the goal.