Real Sociedad vs Barcelona Betting Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Real Sociedad vs Barcelona on and what time does it start? Real Sociedad vs Barcelona will take place on Saturday 4th November, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Real Sociedad vs Barcelona? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Real Sociedad vs Barcelona on in the UK? Real Sociedad vs Barcelona will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Real Sociedad vs Barcelona in the UK? Real Sociedad vs Barcelona can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
REAL SOCIEDAD
Imanol Aguacil’s Real Sociedad are one of the most intense sides in European football and their pressing style is something that has been a blessing and a hindrance for them. They typically start seasons very well before fading relatively dramatically and ending up in a battle to finish inside the top four.
La Real have, once again, started the season in that manner with just two defeats in their opening 15 matches across all competitions. Their defeat of Bunol in the first round of the Copa del Rey in midweek means they are unbeaten in their last four matches since a slender defeat to Atletico Madrid a couple of weeks ago.
BARCELONA
Defending champions Barcelona were excellent defensively last season but there was an awareness that performances were perhaps not at the level as expected, despite reclaiming the Spanish title. Any sort of regression or change of luck would lead to a poorer season for the Catalans and that is the case at the moment.
The Blaugrana suffered their first defeat of the season last weekend, losing the Clasico to Real Madrid with a brace from Jude Bellingham after the hour mark, when Barca were leading. That is the fourth game that Barca have now dropped points in, in 11 games in La Liga so far this season as they lose ground on the leaders.
THE TEAM NEWS
REAL SOCIEDAD
Real Sociedad have a couple of key injury concerns with both Kieran Tierney and Andre Silva unavailable, whilst Ander Barrenetxea is a doubt.
PREDICTED XI (4-1-4-1): Alex Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Pacheco, Munoz; Zubimendi; Kubo, Mendez, Turrientes, Zakharyan; Oyarzabal
UNAVAILABLE: Silva (Injured), Tierney (Injured), Merquelanz (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Barrenetxea (Injured)
BARCELONA
Barcelona have two key injury issues for this weekend with Sergi Roberto and Frenkie de Jong both unavailable for the trip north to the Basque Country.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): ter Stegen; Araujo, Christensen, Martinez; Cancelo, Gavi, Gundogan, Balde; Lopez; Torres, Joao Felix
UNAVAILABLE: Sergi Roberto (Injured), de Jong (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
This one is expected to be quite a tense and yet intense match with space unlikely to be something allowed by either side. Real Sociedad’s dogged and aggressive midfield will rush the more patient and yet still quite reactive Barcelona style of football. These are two of the stronger teams in Spain and the end result could be intriguing or indicative but the process to getting there may not be of much interest to the neutral. Given that, a fairly low-scoring encounter is in store at the Anoeta.
BETTING TIP: UNDER 3.5 GOALS
