Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad - La Liga
- Barcelona and Real Sociedad are separated by five points in La Liga ahead of Saturday's game
- Three important players could return to Barca's starting XI
- Striker Robert Lewandowski looking to make his mark
By Euan Burns
Barcelona are in the mood for redemption after their late defeat against Real Madrid in a Clasico they probably should have won given the chances they created.
One positive from that 2-1 defeat to their bitter rivals is that a few players made their returns from injury, giving Xavi more to work with as he takes his team west to face Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena.
The likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha are back in action and a win would see Barcelona climb above some teams between them and leaders Madrid in the table. However, this will still be a tough game in San Sebastian.
Here's the starting XI Xavi is likely to choose to secure victory for Barcelona against Real Sociedad.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad (4-3-3)
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen - Certainly not the standout figure in this Barcelona team but remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
RB: Joao Cancelo - Having been used in a more attacking role against Real Madrid, Cancelo is expected to move back to right-back for this match.
CB: Ronald Araujo - With Cancelo at right-back, Araujo can return to the centre of the defence where he is undoubtedly more comfortable.
CB: Jules Kounde - He was an unused substitute last weekend but the Frenchman is expected to start and make his long-awaited return from injury.
LB: Alejandro Balde - The clear first choice now at left-back for Barcelona, Balde could hold this role for many years.
CM: Gavi - Much like Balde, Gavi will always be in the Barcelona midfield as long as he is fit to play, especially with Frenkie de Jong injured. Pedri has, however, been included in Barca's squad for Saturday.
CM: Oriol Romeu - He did not start last weekend but Xavi may seek the rigidity of Romeu in the middle to combat the presence of Mikel Oyarzabal.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan - It will be interesting to see how many minutes Gundogan gets when all the midfielders are fit, but for now he is a regular starter at Barcelona.
RW: Raphinha - Making his return from the bench against Real Madrid, Raphinha is a great option for Xavi and is expected to start at the Reale Arena.
ST: Robert Lewandowski - Having missed a handful of games, Barcelona will be a much more dangerous team with Lewandowski back in action.
LW: Joao Felix - An incredible player at his best, Felix enjoyed a pretty good start to life at Barcelona but hasn't scored for his new club since September.
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