Barcelona welcome troubled Real Sociedad to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for a Spanish La Liga fixture on Sunday. The Catalans are unbeaten this season, while the visitors are looking out of sorts at the moment.
Barcelona head into Sunday's clash off the back of a 3-1 victory at Real Oviedo in their previous La Liga fixture. They were behind at the break but struck back through Eric Garcia, Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araujo.
That result maintains Barcelona's unbeaten start to the season as they sit two points behind leaders Real Madrid. Hansi Flick's team have won their two home matches this season, with a 6-0 win over Valencia among their results.
In contrast, Real Sociedad have endured a difficult start to the season and are currently in the bottom half of the table. They have lost three of their last four matches and are currently down in the bottom half of the table.
The good news for Real Sociedad is that they will travel to Catalonia with a win after beating Mallorca 1-0 at home in midweek. However, their away form is poor, having failed to win their last seven league matches on the road, stretching back to last season.
How the bookies view it: Barcelona overwhelming favourites
Barcelona have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 1/4 by BoyleSports. An unlikely victory for Real Sociedad is valued at 15/2, while a draw is set at odds of 9/2.
Head to head: Barcelona often Superior
Barcelona have a 30-7 advantage, with seven draws from the last 44 matches against Real Sociedad. The Catalans claimed a 4-0 home victory in the last meeting back in March.
Players to watch: Eyes on Torres
Ferran Torres has been among the goals this season, scoring four times in six La Liga matches so far. The forward will be keen to maintain his scoring run (Ferran Torres anytime goalscorer – priced at 5/6 with BoyleSports).
Mikel Oyarzabal has two La Liga goals this season and will be the one to watch for Real Sociedad on Sunday. The forward often carries the attacking threat for the visitors (Mikel Oyarzabal anytime goalscorer – available at 7/2).
Probable line-ups:
Lamine Yamal is likely to miss out for Barcelona as he continues his battle with a groin problem, while Fermin Lopez and Gavi remain sidelined. Torres should continue in attack alongside Marcus Rashford, while Ronald Araujo should retain his place at the back.
Orri Oskarsson and Aritz Elustondo remain sidelined with injury and will miss out for Real Sociedad. Duje Caleta-Car is expected to start at the heart of the defence while Oyarzabal is set to lead the line once again.
Barcelona: Garcia, Martin, Cubarsi, Araujo, Garcia, Pedri, De Jong, Raphinha, Olmo, Rashford, Torres.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Caleta-Car, Zubeldia, Gomez, Soler, Gorrotxategi, Mendez, Kubo, Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal.
Anything else catch the eye?
Barcelona have won both halves in their last two home matches (Barcelona to score in both halves – offered at 4/6 by BoyleSports). The hosts have also won both halves in their last two home matches (Barcelona to win both halves – valued at 8/5).
The Catalans have scored over 2.5 goals in five of their seven matches this season (Barcelona over 2.5 goals – set at odds of 8/11).
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