Predicted Teams Barcelona-Real Sociedad: Strong line-ups with midfield dominating debate for Xavi Hernandez

Xavi Hernandez is without Gavi, Alejandro Balde and Frenkie de Jong, while Andreas Christensen is believed to be nursing an injury, but is expected to start by Sport. The question mark for Xavi appears to be in midfield though, with the Catalan daily believing that Pedri will return to the starting XI.

Marca also believe that Pedri will start with Raphinha ahead of him on the left, and no other changes from their defeat against Girona. With Aihen Munoz, Martin Zubimendi, Igor Zubeldia, Carlos Fernandez and Javi Galan all out for Imanol Alguacil, there are several doubts over La Real’s XI. The Madrid-based daily believe Alguacil will spring a surprise with five at the back, Benat Turrientes in midfield and Sheraldo Becker partnering Mikel Oyarzabal up front.

MD contradict the Barcelona line-up, with Fermin Lopez in ahead of Pedri, but they are more in line with their Catalan counterparts on La Real’s line-up, believing Alguacil will stick to a 4-3-3.  They do feel Kieran Tierney will be back from injury in time for the game though, instead of Jon Aramburu, and Hamari Traore will replace Alvaro Odriozola.

Lopez would make Barcelona more direct and vertical, as would a five at the back for La Real, looking to exploit the pace of Becker in behind. Generally that would be a departure from type for the Txuri-Urdin, who generally try to set the tempo where possible.

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