Barcelona Clash with Real Sociedad: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Barcelona will aim to capitalize on Real Madrid's crushing defeat by Atlético Madrid as they host Real Sociedad.

Hansi Flick received the assistance he needed from Atlético, with a devastating 5–2 victory ending Xabi Alonso's perfect record in Madrid, and this loss balances out the points Barcelona lost against Rayo Vallecano prior to the September international break.

Sunday's home team faced a challenging test from newly promoted Real Oviedo in their recent midweek match, but strikes from Eric García, Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araújo enabled them to overcome an early deficit.

Real Sociedad have experienced a difficult beginning to the new campaign under Imanol Alguacil's replacement, Sergio Francisco. Nevertheless, they secured their first victory of 2025–26 against Mallorca in their previous outing, and will draw confidence from their solid recent performance against the Catalan giants.

Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of the encounter.

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Barcelona Team News

There were several significant absences from Thursday's victory at Real Oviedo, with Raphinha and first-choice goalkeeper Joan García picking up injuries that will sideline them until after the October international break.

While Raphinha is dealing with a hamstring problem, García sustained a meniscus injury that could rule him out for approximately six weeks. Barcelona will rely on Wojciech Szczęsny in goal while their summer signing recovers.

Lamine Yamal has declared his availability following a groin injury ahead of Sunday's match, but Flick might be cautious about starting the young sensation. The German manager will be considering the upcoming Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain. Therefore, Roony Bardghji could receive another opportunity on the right wing.

Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal might also feature in the Barcelona starting eleven.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Szczęsny; García, Araújo, Christensen, Martín; De Jong, Bernal; Roony, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski.

Real Sociedad Team News

The away side continues to be led by Euro 2024 final star Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted their decisive goal in last week's 1–0 triumph over Mallorca.

Takefusa Kubo will feature on the right flank, while former West Ham United and PSG player Carlos Soler impressed in their previous match and will maintain his position in midfield. Ex-Manchester City defender Sergio Gómez has been among Sociedad's standout performers at left-back.

Aritz Elustondo remains questionable due to a rib injury, while Yangel Herrera and Orri Oskarsson are unavailable.

Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona (4-5-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Gomez; Kubo, Mendez, Gorrotxategi, Soler, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal.

Barcelona vs. Real Sociedad Score Prediction

Real Sociedad have endured a disappointing beginning to the campaign, but with numerous changes during the summer transfer window, they may need additional time to find their rhythm.

The visiting team has enjoyed more success than many others in this matchup recently, and they'll be facing a Barcelona squad that is likely to be thinking ahead to their major Champions League encounter against PSG.

Injury concerns are also expected to impact the home team, who may need to battle hard once again for maximum points.

Prediction: Barcelona 2–1 Real Sociedad