Lewandowski Spearheads Barcelona's Attack as Rising Star Yamal Makes Squad for Real Sociedad Clash
Barcelona may be looking ahead to their encounter with the European titleholders next week, but they must first overcome Real Sociedad in La Liga to maintain their winning momentum.
The Catalan giants have secured victories in all four matches since the September international pause and will be pursuing a fifth consecutive triumph at home against the Basque side on Sunday. They have suffered defeats in two of their previous five encounters with Real Sociedad, but will be looking to capitalize on the inconsistent form of Sergio Francisco's team.
A massive showdown with Paris Saint-Germain looms on Wednesday night and Hansi Flick seems set to rotate his squad this weekend with that match in consideration. Injuries remain a persistent problem for the German coach, who is presently missing several key first-team players.
Here is how Barcelona might set up on Sunday.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1)
GK: Wojciech Szczęsny—New arrival Joan García has suffered a major injury blow that will keep him out for the next four to six weeks, ensuring Szczęsny will make his first start this campaign against Real Sociedad.
RB: Eric García—Jules Koundé might be given a break before his battle with PSG's dynamic Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with García, who found the net midweek, possibly stepping in at right-back.
CB: Ronald Araújo—The Uruguayan defender also got on the scoresheet in Barcelona's fightback victory over Real Oviedo, scoring a crucial third goal in the final moments.
CB: Andreas Christensen—Pau Cubarsí is another candidate for rotation ahead of PSG's arrival, with Christensen ready to fill his spot in the defensive line. He's recorded three shutouts in four appearances for club and country this season.
LB: Gerard Martín—Alejandro Balde is nearing his return and might feature in the matchday roster on Sunday, but Martín should secure a fifth consecutive start as Balde gradually returns to action.
DM: Frenkie de Jong—De Jong provided a massive boost off the bench against Real Oviedo, setting up Barcelona's decisive goal and controlling the tempo in midfield.
DM: Marc Bernal—Pedri could be benched to save him for the clash with PSG's formidable midfield, giving young Bernal, who was reportedly linked with Chelsea during the summer, his first start of the season.
AM: Dani Olmo—After excelling in the victory over Getafe, Olmo struggled more in the midweek match at Real Oviedo. With Gavi and Fermín López sidelined, Barcelona urgently need his creativity in the attacking midfielder position.
RW: Roony Bardghji—The 19-year-old is still adapting to life in Catalonia but might receive a rare starting opportunity on Sunday. With Raphinha injured and Lamine Yamal expected to only make the substitutes' bench upon his return, Bardghji has a golden chance to showcase his abilities.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—Along with De Jong, Lewandowski sparked Barcelona's turnaround in Oviedo. The Polish striker's superb header secured the victory for the Catalans and he should take Ferran Torres' place in the starting eleven.
LW: Marcus Rashford—Raphinha's injury problem creates space for another Rashford start, with the English winger showing encouraging signs in the opening phase of his Barcelona stint.
