How will Barcelona line up against Real Sociedad?

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The two teams meet in Cordoba

Barcelona take a break from La Liga action this week and face Real Sociedad in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday.

The two teams met at the Camp Nou less than a month ago with Barcelona coming from behind to claim all three points with a 2-1 win.

Ronald Koeman’s men head into the game in good form and a similar result would see them into Sunday’s final against either Real Madrid or Athletic.

Let’s look at how they might line up:

Defense

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Ronald Araujo is the big question mark in defense after picking up a hamstring problem in the warm-up against Granada. The Uruguayan is in the squad for the match but may not be risked from the start.

Clement Lenglet will return from suspension and could come straight back into the starting XI, although Samuel Umtiti is an option after an assured showing at the weekend. Is the Frenchman fit enough to start two games in four days for Barcelona?

Midfield

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Barcelona’s good form means Koeman’s unlikely to make too many changes to his team which could mean starts for Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri once again.

De Jong and Pedri were both given a bit of a breather and taken off in the second half against Granada with the game won which suggests they will start again.

Busquets played the entire 90 minutes, on what was his 600th appearance for Barca, and could once again get the nod unless Koeman fancies giving Miralem Pjanic his first start of 2021.

Attack

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Koeman’s attack is also looking strong with Ousmane Dembele fit and looking in good shape. The Frenchman has started Barca’s last three games in a row and looks set to continue in the starting XI.

Antoine Griezmann ended his goal drought last time out with a double against Granada and should continue ahead of Martin Braithwaite, while Lionel Messi is also in a rich vein of goalscoring form and should lead the time out.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Dest, Mingueza, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, De Jong, Pedri; Dembele, Messi, Griezmann.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Real Sociedad? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com