Szczesny, De Jong start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Real Sociedad | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have been presented with a golden opportunity to take the top spot in La Liga when they take on Real Sociedad later tonight on Matchday 7.

The Blaugrana are currently second in the standings, but with Real Madrid dropping points against Atletico on Saturday, Hansi Flick & co. can overtake their arch-rivals with a victory over the Basque club.

Injuries continue to be an issue for Barça as they lost Raphinha and Joan Garcia to fresh problems this week, joining Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Marc Casado is also a doubt. But there are some positives as Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde are fit again and will play some part, even if starts are unlikely for the pair.

Flick will most certainly have an eye on the big UEFA Champions League clash against PSG next week when he selects his team. But the injuries make rotations difficult for the Barcelona head coach.

With that in mind, here’s how the German tactician will likely set his team up against La Real later today at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Defence

Wojciech Szczesny is set to make his first start of the new season, with both Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre ter Stegen unavailable for selection. The Pole has never lost a La Liga game in Barcelona colours, and will be eager to extend that record tonight.

As for the defensive unit, Alejandro Balde is unlikely to be risked from the start, especially with a big game against PSG coming up. As such, Gerard Martin should continue at left-back.

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde is likely to return at right-back after being rested in the midweek clash vs Real Oviedo.

Ronald Araujo, who scored in the midweek, will be one of the centre-backs, most likely partnered by Andreas Christensen, with Pau Cubarsi unlikely to be risked ahead of the PSG game either.

Midfield

De Jong to start in midfield. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The midfield department is where there are very limited options for Flick at the moment, making rotations nearly impossible.

Pedri has been a permanent fixture in the centre of the park this season and has been one of Barça’s best players. He is expected to continue in the lineup against Sociedad.

With question marks around Casado’s availability at the moment, Frenkie de Jong will reclaim his starting berth in today’s match after making a big impact as a substitute in the midweek win.

No Fermin Lopez and no Gavi means that Dani Olmo becomes the obvious choice to start in the No. 10 role for the La Liga champions.

Attack

Marcus Rashford registered an assist in the win over Oviedo earlier in the week and should hold on to his place in the Barcelona XI.

As for the rest of the attack, with Raphinha out and Lamine Yamal only coming back after missing four games, the right flank will be up for grabs.

And, the manager could deploy Ferran Torres out on the wings today, paving the way for Robert Lewandowski to start as the centre-forward for the Catalans today against La Real.