HP Terbaru 2023 – LaLiga leaders Barcelona head to Real Sociedad

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By Graham Ruthven

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Flick’s frontrunners

Barcelona and Real Madrid have had contrasting weeks. While Los Blancos sacked Xabi Alonso after losing the Spanish Super Cup, also losing to Albacete in the Copa del Rey to add to the chaos, Barca extended their best run of the season.

Victory over Racing Santander on Thursday was Barcelona’s ninth win in-a-row in all competitions. A win away to Real Sociedad would extend that streak to 10 games.

Hansi Flick’s team got the better of La Real in late-September, but lost the last time they visited the Anoeta last season. Nonetheless, Barcelona are in strong form and can tighten their grip at the top of LaLiga.

Real Sociedad, on the other hand, are attempting to build some momentum under new manager Pellegrino Matarazzo. The American claimed his first win over Getafe last week, but victory over Barca would make a real statement.

Key players

No Real Sociedad player has scored more league goals this season than Mikel Oyarzabal. The Spanish international has been deployed as a mobile forward by Matarazzo and will have space to exploit in behind Barca’s high line.

Brais Méndez found the back of the net in La Real’s win over Getafe, highlighting him as a potential threat against the league leaders, with Take Kubo a natural creator. Indeed, the Japanese international is averaging 2.1 dribbles per 90 minutes.

Gonçalo Guedes will give Real Sociedad some vertical threat. The Portuguese international recently scored against Atlético Madrid and could cause Barca problems in the final third.

Barcelona boast one of the most fearsome frontlines in European football and so La Real must be wary of several threats, including Lamine Yamal who scored against Racing in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.

Robert Lewandowski could return to the lineup after being rested in the Copa while Raphinha is another who might come back into the team. This would result in Marcus Rashford being benched.

Flick could re-use the midfield trio of Frenkie De Jong, Fermín López and Pedri that pushed Barcelona to victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.

At the back, Joan García has enjoyed an impactful return from injury. The 24-year-old was outstanding in the recent win over Espanyol and is earning himself a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now. 

Team news

Yangel Herrera is an injury doubt for Real Sociedad ahead of this weekend’s clash against the league leaders with Iñaki Rupérez another player who could miss out for La Real.

Gavi remains sidelined for Barcelona with a long-term injury while Andreas Christensen is also expected to miss out for the visitors to the Anoeta. 

Otherwise, Flick has a fully fit squad to choose from. The German coach could rotate in a number of areas due to the intense recent schedule Barcelona have faced, but the Catalans have options.

Prediction

Matarazzo is unbeaten since taking over at Real Sociedad in December but this, against a Barca side currently riding a massive high after their triumph in the Super Cup, is by far his biggest test to date. Therefore, we’ll go with an away win: Real Sociedad 1-2 Barcelona

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(Cover image from IMAGO)

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