Match Preview: Barcelona vs Real Sociedad

The 7th round fixture between Barcelona and Real Sociedad is scheduled for September 28th at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. This comprehensive preview delves into the match prediction, betting odds, and key statistics for Barcelona vs Real Sociedad.

Barcelona: Team Analysis

Barcelona’s Current Form

Following their impressive 3-1 victory over Oviedo in the last league match, Barcelona extended their unbeaten run in the competition to 7 games, securing three points in 6 of those encounters. Barcelona currently stands as one of only three undefeated teams in the ongoing season, alongside Real Madrid and Elche. The Catalan giants occupy 2nd place in the standings, trailing their eternal rivals from Madrid by just 2 points. Furthermore, Barcelona leads the league in goals scored, having netted 19 times already, with Real Madrid as their closest competitor, trailing by 5 goals. 

Barcelona Key Stats

• The club has scored at least three goals in 6 of their last 7 matches.
• On the road, Barcelona has secured victories in 10 of their previous 11 league fixtures.
• Both halves saw a goal scored in Barcelona’s last 5 away matches in .

Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-5-1)*

Joan Garcia – Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martin – Marc Casadó, Pedri, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Marcus Rashford – Ferran Torres. 

Barcelona Team News

Goalkeepers Joan Garcia, Marc-André ter Stegen, midfielders Gavi, Fermín López, and forward Raphinha are all sidelined due to injuries.

Real Sociedad: Team Analysis

Real Sociedad’s Current Form

Real Sociedad secured their inaugural victory of the current championship season by defeating Mallorca 1-0 at home in the previous round. This success broke their 6-match winless streak in (2 draws, 4 losses) and also ended their 9-game run of conceding goals in the competition. However, their away form in remains concerning: they have failed to win their last 7 away matches (2 draws, 5 losses), and during this period, they haven’t managed a single clean sheet. Furthermore, their streak of conceding goals in away league matches now stands at 14 games. In the table, the team is currently positioned in a lowly sixteenth place. 

Real Sociedad Key Stats

• The club has covered the (+2.5) handicap in their last 9 matches in the Spanish championship.
• Real Sociedad has found the net in 5 of their last 6 encounters.
• The San Sebastián-based team has conceded the first goal in 7 consecutive away matches in .

Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)*

Alejandro Remiro – Jon Aramburu, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Igor Zubeldia, Sergio Gómez – Brais Méndez, Jon Gorrotxategi, Carlos Soler – Takefusa Kubo, Ander Barrenetxea, Mikel Oyarzabal. 

Real Sociedad Team News

Midfielder Yangel Herrera and forward Orri Óskarsson are unavailable due to health issues.

Match Prediction: Barcelona vs Real Sociedad

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona continues their winning streak in , now extending to three consecutive victories, having dropped points in only one fixture this season against Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona isn’t just winning; they are dominating their opponents. In the current championship, the Catalans have scored at least three goals in all of their winning matches. At home, the team has won both their games with an aggregate score of 9-0. It is highly improbable that the visitors, who have had a struggling start to the season, will avoid a heavy defeat. Last Wednesday, Real Sociedad secured their first victory of the current season, overcoming a similarly struggling Mallorca. 

Head-to-Head and Defensive Woes

Historically, Real Sociedad has faced considerable challenges when playing away against Barcelona. The team has lost 26 of their last 27 previous away encounters against the Catalans in , with their only victory during this period coming in 2023. Therefore, I anticipate little suspense in the upcoming match; the hosts are expected to secure a confident win, given the current form of both teams. It is also crucial to note Real Sociedad’s significant defensive issues in away matches, where they have conceded goals in 14 consecutive games, with at least two goals conceded in 9 of those fixtures. I am confident that the visitors will concede at least twice against the league’s top attack. Barcelona, for their part, have scored at least three goals in 5 of their 6 matches in the current championship. 

Betting Tip

My prediction for this match is a “Home Win and Team 1 Total Goals Over 2.5” with odds of 1.80. * For each team, the starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is indicated.