FC Barcelona are set to travel away from home for their upcoming clash against Real Sociedad in La Liga. The Catalan giants have thus far enjoyed a great start to the season and will be looking to build on that even further. However, even for a side as in-form as Barcelona, La Real are always a threat to be taken seriously.
For this particular encounter, it is expected that Hansi Flick will field a strong starting eleven due to the fact that there is an international break right after this game. As such, apart from a few positions, Barcelona can be expected to field their most regular starters for this La Liga clash.
Here is how Hansi Flick’s Barcelona could line up for this game.
Expected Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Inaki Pena
Continues his fine form for Barcelona and stepped in perfectly for the injured Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. Even with Wojciech Szczesny on the bench, the Spaniard is simply giving the Polish goalkeeper no chance to take his place in the starting eleven.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
The Frenchman managed to get himself a hattrick of assists in his last outing for Barcelona, and he will definitely be hoping to continue that fine form of his moving forward.
Centre-back: Sergi Dominguez
There remains a lot of doubt over whether or not Pau Cubarsi can end up starting this game, but it is a great risk if he does. The safer option would be Sergi Dominguez, who could end up forming a partnership with Inigo Martinez at the back if Hansi Flick thinks Cubarsi should not be starting.
Centre-back: Inigo Martinez
The leader at the back for Barcelona, Inigo Martinez continues to go from strength to strength. There is no denying that the Spaniard is one of the most influential players in this team and his involvement against Real Sociedad will be crucial.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
After having been rested against Red Star Belgrade in the previous match, Alejandro Balde should now be fully rested to play this game against Real Sociedad to the best of his abilities and exploit their width with his pace.
CDM: Marc Casado
A guarantee for Hansi Flick at this point, Marc Casado is the true backbone of this team. His immense versatility allows him to be a great defensive asset to his team while also being capable of inflicting great offensive damage to his opponents as well with his creativity and vision.
CDM: Frenkie de Jong
If Pedri ends up being moved forward into a more offensive role due to the uncertainty surrounding Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong could end up being the natural option to start alongside Marc Casado in the team’s double pivot.
RAM: Raphinha
The Brazilian forward has been one of the most influential players for Barcelona this season, and his involvement always makes the players around him look better as well. He will surely be starting this game for the Catalan giants.
CAM: Pedri
Despite the fact that Dani Olmo has been included in the squad list for the game against Real Sociedad, it seems unlikely for him to start this game having missed the last training session. In his stead, however, Pedri could fill in and put his own offensive qualities to good use.
LAM: Fermin Lopez
With Lamine Yamal unlikely to start, Raphinha may end up being shifted towards the right and Fermin Lopez could step into the team and provide some dynamism and tenacity from the left side of the attack as well.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
Expected to start this game, Robert Lewandowski remains the focal point of the Barcelona attack and his goalscoring seems to know no bounds at this rate. He will definitely be hoping to add some more goals to his tally against La Real.