Lewandowski in, €28m forward out – Predicted Barcelona starting XI to face Real Sociedad in La Liga | OneFootball

The upcoming game between Barcelona and Real Sociedad is one that the Catalan giants simply have to win. For them, it is a question of retaining their top spot in La Liga and they have to commit to it. However, Hansi Flick is already aware of the limitations that his Barcelona team has.

Last time out, Real Sociedad managed to defeat Barça at the Reale Arena. This time around, however, Hansi Flick will be able to count on most of his team and they will be looking to make a strong statement against a team that has hurt them before.

Here is how Flick’s Barcelona team could line up for this game.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

Still going strong in terms of his record with this Barcelona team, Wojciech Szczesny is still yet to taste defeat while starting for the team. Moreover, with him in goal, there is a sense of security as well in terms of his shot-stopping ability.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

The Frenchman has been strong in his position, despite some errors in his last appearance. For this game, however, it is likely that Jules Kounde ends up starting again for Barcelona given his consistency this season.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

Even at his young age, 18-year-old Pau Cubarsi is one of world football’s best ball-playing defenders. His reading of the game, passing from the back, and vision are just some of the traits that make him a mainstay for Hansi Flick’s team.

Centre-back: Inigo Martinez

The veteran defender has clearly been Hansi Flick’s ideal partner for Pau Cubarsi this season. His reading of the game is quite impactful, and his defensive attributes are just what Flick’s team needs as well.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

With the Spaniard being able to cover a lot of ground in no time thanks to his speed, Alejandro Balde is a weapon that Hansi Flick loves to count on. For this game, he could prove to be crucial.

CDM: Frenkie de Jong

Clearly more comfortable in this new role of his, Frenkie de Jong’s performances this year have been solid. The Dutchman is playing the best he has in quite some time, and it is directly helping the team out as well.

CDM: Pedri

The mastermind of this Barcelona team’s midfield, Pedri is the central focus of how Hansi Flick’s team operates. When he is on his game, simply no opposition is able to stop him, and that has been the case lately in almost every game he plays.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

In terms of dribbling prowess and ability to disrupt opposition structures, Barça has no player more effective than Lamine Yamal. The young winger was unable to play against Real Sociedad last time, but this is his chance to make a difference this time around.

CAM: Dani Olmo

Composed in the heart of the attack, Dani Olmo is a great asset when it comes to link-up play and being a direct goal threat himself. Whenever he is playing, he is able to provide a whole new dynamic to this Barcelona frontline.

LAM: Raphinha

The Brazilian winger is one of the main threats that Sociedad will have to deal with, and he will likely enjoy the challenge. On his day, Raphinha can clearly make any team worry and can deal a lot of damage to them as well.

Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski

Still the leading goalscorer for the Pichichi award, Robert Lewandowski has a lot to offer in front of goal. However, the Polish ace will definitely need to be more active and sharper in order to make Real Sociedad pay.

On the other hand, that would mean that Ferran Torres could end up starting this game from the bench. While the €28 million-rated forward has been efficient this season, his performance in the last game left more to be desired in terms of his finishing.