Real Sociedad vs Barcelona
Barcelona’s recent revival under Xavi has suddenly hit a rough patch as back-to-back home defeats have them reeling. After suffering a stunning defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, the Catalans then saw their incredible 15-game unbeaten run in La Liga come to an end against relegation strugglers Cadiz last weekend.
Can Barca finally get back to winning ways when they visit San Sebastian to take on sixth-placed Real Sociedad?
La Real are still very much in contention for European football next season thanks to their recent unbeaten run. But the La Liga 2022 betting odds will still have them as underdogs against Barca, who will be desperate to avoid a third straight defeat.
Talking Points
Barca need to bounce back in a big way
Barcelona are regressing back to the mean in a big way. Their remarkable 15-game unbeaten run in all competitions, as well as their 15-game unbeaten run in La Liga, are both over after back-to-back defeats to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League and Cadiz in La Liga.
The recent league defeat leaves Barcelona 15 points back of rivals Real Madrid and in a three-way tie with Sevilla and Atletico Madrid at 60 points. Although, they still have a game in hand over those sides.
Xavi’s side controlled 75 per cent of possession in both matches but were not clinical enough in front of goal. Xavi brought on Memphis Depay to lead the attack over the out-of-form Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang against Cadiz, but the Dutchman was also disappointing.
The good news for Barca was that Ousmane Dembele continued his fine form of late. The French winger led the team with seven shots against Cadiz. Although, it remains to be seen whether Xavi will hand Dembele a rest after three starts in a row.
Barca will welcome back centre-back Ronald Araujo after serving out his one-match suspension. Gerard Pique could also be back in defence after missing the last couple of games due to injury. Frenkie de Jong is also expected to continue in midfield in place of the injured Pedri.
Real Sociedad missing two key attackers
Real Sociedad are still very much alive in the race for European football. They are currently in sixth place, two points behind Real Betis, and are unbeaten in their last five games (three wins, two draws).
Although, La Real missed a big opportunity to overtake Betis as they played out a goalless draw. And to make matters worse, veteran playmaker David Silva was sent off in stoppage time and will now be suspended for the big match against Barcelona.
La Real are already without top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal (9 goals), who suffered a serious knee injury last month, so David Silva’s absence will be another big blow to their attack.
The onus will once again be on the two Alexanders – Isak and Sorloth – to deliver some La Liga 2022 highlights for La Real against Barca. Although, coach Imanol Alguacil could opt to play with just one forward and load the midfield and defence, which is his usual tactic in big games.
Real Sociedad have been absolutely incredible in terms of limiting the number of goals in their home games this season. They have scored just 12 goals in 16 home games while conceding just six – both are the fewest in the league.
However, that formula has brought them much home success. They have won nine of 16 games at the Reale Arena, with five draws and just two defeats, which is tied for the third-fewest in the division.
History
Barcelona have had the better of Real Sociedad in recent years. Barca have not lost to La Real in their last 11 meetings. They have won nine of those games, including their first match of this season, which ended 4-2 at the Camp Nou. Martin Braithwaite bagged a brace in that match.
Barca were even more dominant in their last trip to the Reale Arena. They ran out 6-1 winners, with Sergino Dest and Lionel Messi both scoring twice.
Betting Tip
SBOTOP odds have Barcelona as slight 2.20 favourites to get a much-needed away win at Real Sociedad, who are priced at 3.05. A draw is 3.50.
Clearly, Barcelona can’t afford to suffer a third straight defeat and will do everything in their power to avoid another setback at San Sebastian.
But La Real will be a formidable foe as they still have much to play for. Silva’s suspension and Oyarzabal’s absence will be hard to overcome offensively, but Real Sociedad’s defence will be tough for a sputtering Barca attack to break down. With those factors in mind, I expect a low-scoring affair in San Sebastian, with Real Sociedad possibly coming away with a point.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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