Barcelona take on Real Sociedad at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in their penultimate home game of the season, with a chance to move back into second place above Girona, after their Catalan neighbours drew with Alaves on Friday. La Real look as if they could be a tricky challenge though.
Christensen has been dragging discomfort for months now, and this is the reason why Xavi often rests him despite the Danish player performing perfectly in his new role as a pivot. @marca
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 13, 2024
Xavi Hernandez is without Gavi, Alejandro Balde and Frenkie de Jong, while Andreas Christensen is believed to be nursing an injury, but is expected to start by Sport. The question mark for Xavi appears to be in midfield though, with the Catalan daily believing that Pedri will return to the starting XI.
Marca also believe that Pedri will start with Raphinha ahead of him on the left, and no other changes from their defeat against Girona. With Aihen Munoz, Martin Zubimendi, Igor Zubeldia, Carlos Fernandez and Javi Galan all out for Imanol Alguacil, there are several doubts over La Real’s XI. The Madrid-based daily believe Alguacil will spring a surprise with five at the back, Benat Turrientes in midfield and Sheraldo Becker partnering Mikel Oyarzabal up front.
MD contradict the Barcelona line-up, with Fermin Lopez in ahead of Pedri, but they are more in line with their Catalan counterparts on La Real’s line-up, believing Alguacil will stick to a 4-3-3. They do feel Kieran Tierney will be back from injury in time for the game though, instead of Jon Aramburu, and Hamari Traore will replace Alvaro Odriozola.
#FCBarcelona host #RealSociedad this evening, with a chance to go back into second above Girona with a win.
Few are predicting a simple game though, with La Real in need of the points for Europa League football. MD predict strong line-ups from both. pic.twitter.com/gzJ3qIqGrg
— Football España (@footballespana_) May 13, 2024
Lopez would make Barcelona more direct and vertical, as would a five at the back for La Real, looking to exploit the pace of Becker in behind. Generally that would be a departure from type for the Txuri-Urdin, who generally try to set the tempo where possible.
The post Predicted Teams Barcelona-Real Sociedad: Strong line-ups with midfield dominating debate for Xavi Hernandez appeared first on Football España.
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