Barcelona head to Real Sociedad on Sunday looking to cement their place at the top of La Liga and continue a remarkable scoring streak.
The Catalans thrashed Red Star Belgrade 5-2 in the Uuefa Champions League this week, meaning they have netted 55 goals in their first 16 matches of a single season for the first time in their illustrious history, according to Opta.
Hansi Flick could become just the third Barca men’s coach to see his team score at least three goals in eight consecutive games, after Pep Guardiola (2012) and Juan Jose Nogues back in 1943.
Real Sociedad have not had the best of times this season, winning only four of their opening 12 league games of 2024/25 and scoring just 10 times in that run. Only three sides have scored fewer goals in Spain’s top flight over those 12 matchdays.
The Sporting News looks at the latest team news for this fixture.
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Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Imanol Alguacil will need to judge his players’ condition after Thursday’s Europa League game away to Viktoria Plzen before making any definite plans for Barca.
As things stand, Hamari Traore, Paul Marin and Arsen Zakharyan are their main absentees. Left-back Aihen Munoz is not travelling to Czechia due to the imminent birth of his first child, but he will likely be available on Sunday.
Captain Mikel Oyarzabal may retain his place at centre-forward ahead of Orri Oskarsson after scoring in the win at Sevilla.
Real Sociedad predicted XI (4-1-4-1, right to left): Remiro (GK) — Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz — Zubimendi — Kubo, Mendez, Sucic, Becker — Oyarzabal
Injured: Traore, Marin, Zakharyan
Suspended: None
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Pau Cubarsi is reportedly eager to play for Barca despite suffering a rather gruesome facial injury against Red Star. Hansi Flick may well decide to play things cautiously, though.
Gavi could start in place of Frenkie de Jongwho is continuing to build up full match sharpness, while Alejandro Balde should return at left-back.
Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Pena (GK) — Kounde, Dominguez, Martinez, Balde — Gavi, Casado — Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha — Lewandowski
Injured: Araujo, Bernal, Christensen, Garcia, Torres, Ter Stegen, Cubarsi (doubt)
Suspended: None
Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
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