After an impressive start to the La Liga season, Real Sociedad will face an uphill task as they host Catalan giants Barcelona at the Anoeta Stadium. The match is scheduled for 14th December, with kickoff at 15:00 GMT.
The Catalan giants will be in action over the weekend as they aim to extend the gap between them and long term rivals Real Madrid. With only a goal difference separating the two sides, it will be a heated contest for the Catalans.
Real Sociedad on the other hand have registered an impressive performance who are currently 4th with 7 points clear of title contenders. The Imanol Alguaici’s side have only registered a single loss since the end of October. However, the Omen’s have a poor home record against Barcelona having lost 5 matches.
Real Soiedad vs. Barcelona Head to Head
Both sides have played 28 matches together with Barcelona picking up the lion’s share with 19 wins with Real Sociedad only managing 5 wins. Here is a look at some of the past encounters:
Barcelona 2-1 Sociedad
Sociedad 1-2 Barcelona
Barcelona 1-0 Sociedad
Sociedad 2-4 Barcelona
Barcelona 3-2 Sociedad
Sociedad 1-1 Barcelona
Sociedad 1-0 Barcelona
Barcelona 4-0 Sociedad
Real Sociedad Team News
The side will be without the services of center back Robin Le Normand who is serving a yellow card suspension. Other injury woes include central midfielder Ruben Pardo who is serving an unknown injury which has ruled him out of 16 matches.
Defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi is recuperating from an ankle injury which has ruled him put of 13 matches. Last on the injury list is central midfielder David Zurutuza who suffered an Achilles tendon problems.
Barcelona Team News
The Catalan giants will be handed with a double injury boost with the return of right back Semedo and left back Jordi Alba. Midfuelder Arthur Melo will not feature in the clash after struggling with an injury which has ruled him out of two matches. Winger Ousmane Dembele is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Ansu Fati will be up for selection after making a champion league record of the youngest star to score. Ace Messi will also be available for an impressive start to the La Liga campaign. Attacking duo of Griezzman and Suarez are also up for selection.
Prediction and Odds
Given the tight race for the La Liga title, coach Valverde will be all out for a win against the underdogs Real Sociedad. The master class of Messi which has improved over the weeks is highly likely to affect the outcome of the match.
Barcelona win
Goals over 2.5
Both teams to score
Messi to score
