La Liga: Barca Aim to Bounce Back in the Basque

Real Sociedad vs Barcelona

Fifth plays fourth in the La Liga match of the weekend, and it’s a huge challenge for Barcelona, who come into the game against Real Sociedad on the back of a sickening El Clasico loss. 

Imanol Iguacil’s Sociedad were in action on Wednesday and came through a Copa del Rey first round clash with a 1-0 win over Bunol, and La Real drew 2-2 away to Rayo Vallecano last week.

Meanwhile, Barca had the week off to work out how they squandered a lead to lose the El Clasico last week and, since they are now four points behind leaders Real Madrid, head coach Xavi will be determined to lose no further ground.

Los Blancos host Vallecano on Sunday, and so the Blaugrana can apply some pressure with a win in the Basque on Saturday. But Sociedad are strong at home and can climb to within two points of Barca with a victory.

The La Liga title race looks set to be a cracker this season with surprise package Girona and Atletico Madrid both in the frame, while Sociedad and Barcelona will have plenty to say as well.

Talking Points

Take is Sociedad’s real deal

Real Madrid academy product Takefuso Kubo moved to Sociedad last season and immediately impressed, scoring the winner on his debut in a 1-0 win away to Cadiz. This season, the 22-year-old Japanese star has taken a step up, and he has already contributed five goals and two assists.

Having spent his early years in a number of loan deals, Take is benefiting from a permanent home, and he has settled well in the Basque. A fast and skilful player, he can operate either on the left wing or as an attacking midfielder, and he has struck up a dynamic relationship with captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who is top scoring with six.

Sociedad have been playing some great football again this season after winning Champions League football with a fourth place finish last term. And behind this lethal front two there is a three-man midfield oozing with quality.

Brais Mendez and Mikel Merino are quick to support the attack, while 24-year-old Martin Zubimendi, who was targeted by Xavi as a replacement for Sergio Busquets, is a brilliant defencive midfielder and a top-class deputy for Manchester City’s Rodri in the national team.

While Zubimendi is great doing the dirty work, Mendez has benefited from a free role, scoring in all three of La Real’s Champions League games this season.

Lewandowski fit for Barca, and maybe Pedri too

Barcelona had a chance to overtake Real Madrid in last week’s El Clasico, and it all looked pretty bright for the Blaugrana when Ilkay Gundogan scored his first goal for the club with just six minutes on the clock.

With a halftime lead, the Blaugrana looked to kick on, but they became the latest victims of the sensational Jude Bellingham, as the Blancos midfield ace levelled with a second half stunner from 30 yards before popping up with the 92^nd minute winner. 

Losing this huge match against their fiercest rivals after holding a halftime lead was a heavy blow to Barcelona, but the news is better this week as they are preparing to bring two of their best players back for this next big challenge.

Robert Lewandowski made a return from injury with a 30-minute appearance against Madrid, and he looks sure to start against Sociedad. And long-term absentee Pedri could also play a part, though he is likely to begin on the bench.

Pedri is Barca’s most influential player when he is on song, and he has been badly missed. And there could be better news for Xavi as another first 11 midfield man is inching closer to fitness, as Frenkie de Jong could also make the squad. 

The latest La Liga 2023 betting odds have pushed the Blaugrana out to 3.20. But a return for Pedri and de Jong and the chance for Lewandowski to add to his five goals could make the picture in Catalonia look brighter before long.

History

The Blaugrana have bossed the head-to-heads with Sociedad over the past 30 years, with 40 wins from the 60 meetings, while there have been 11 draws and nine wins for La Real.

Barca won five of the last six but, in the most recent encounter, Sociedad won 2-1 in Catalonia back in May.

These two giants have identical recent form with four wins, one drawm and one loss over the past six games.

Betting Tip

Barcelona are favourites to win this clash with Sociedad at SBOTOP odds of 2.85, and the draw is at 3.16.

Sociedad’s La Liga 2023 results have been strong, particularly at home with four wins and two draws, while Barca have won two and drawn three away.

This promises to be a superb clash and, with two big stars likely to return and a huge incentive to right the wrongs of last week, I think Barca will come through.

 

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