FC Barcelona enter the final stretch of their La Liga EA Sports campaign with a clear objective. Finishing second is now feasible and within reach, it simply depends on how Barça themselves perform. However, with Barcelona now facing a formidable Real Sociedad side, La Blaugrana will need to be at their best.
Imanol Alguacil’s Real Sociedad has been one of this season’s most intense competitors, and Xavi Hernandez will be aware of this. To cope with the quality and momentum of La Real, Barcelona will need to make sure they field their strongest possible lineup.
Here is how Barcelona could line up against Real Sociedad.
Expected Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
There is little to no doubt about who will start in goal for FC Barcelona. Despite some shaky performances as of late, the German goalkeeper remains the undisputed starter for La Blaugrana.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
The Frenchman continues to provide stability and good balance on the right flank. His versatility has been a massive gift for La Blaugrana, and Xavi may choose to continue counting on it.
Centre-back: Ronald Araujo
It seems likely that Xavi will once again entrust Ronald Araujo to lead the Barcelona defense against a formidable Real Sociedad side. Despite his occasional errors, the Uruguayan remains Barça’s most intimidating defender for opponents.
Centre-back: Inigo Martinez
Recent reports have suggested that Xavi may finally turn to Inigo Martinez to aid the team in this final stretch of the season. This would also give some breathing room to Pau Cubarsi, who can finally have some rest, and a veteran Spaniard can take his place.
Left-back: Hector Fort
After recent speculation about the defensive fragilities on the left-back position, it may be time to give Hector Fort a chance. The 17-year-old Spanish fullback possesses a balanced profile that can provide Barcelona a good defensive outlet as well.
CDM: Andreas Christensen
The Danish defender-turned-pivot has become an instrumental part of Xavi’s Barcelona. His physical presence, coupled with his technical expertise, allow Barça to play with much more confidence and composure.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
In terms of seniority and experience, Barcelona have no midfielder more proven than the German veteran Ilkay Gundogan. One of his best seasons at a personal level in terms of his statistics, he will want to keep helping the team reach their objective.
CM: Pedri
While there may be a strong case for Fermin Lopez to start this game, it must also be considered that penetrating through La Real requires a superior creative outlet that can outplay them. That is where Pedri comes in, who just so happens to be one of the best in the world at doing such a thing.
Right-winger: Lamine Yamal
In terms of producing magic on the field, the teenage sensation that is Lamine Yamal rarely disappoints. Already at the age of 16, this left-footed young pearl has shown he can take Barcelona on his back and single-handedly change the entire outcome of games.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker seems to have found his shooting boots again, albeit a little too late. Despite that, Xavi’s team will need their target man to step up and deliver if the right opportunities present themselves to him.
Left-winger: Raphinha
The Brazilian winger has enjoyed a much-improved spell of form in recent outings, irrespective of what the final results of the games may have been for the collective group. However, with him in-form, it would be unreasonable to leave him out of the starting eleven.
