90min

The Barcelona Lineup That Should Start Against Real Sociedad

By Jude Summerfield

Lionel Messi celebrates his winner against Levante
Lionel Messi celebrates his winner against Levante / LLUIS GENE/Getty Images
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Barcelona will look to peg back current La Liga leaders Real Sociedad when the two teams meet on Wednesday.

Ronald Koeman's side picked themselves up after defeats to Juventus and Cadiz to beat Levante on Sunday, though doubts over their solidity at the back and goal threat aside from Lionel Messi remain.

Here's the team they could field to take on Real Sociedad at Camp Nou.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Ter Stegen warming up before the Levante win
Ter Stegen warming up before the Levante win / David Ramos/Getty Images

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) - One of the best goalkeepers in the world, Ter Stegen can pull off miraculous saves but needs more help than those in front of him are offering.

Sergino Dest (RB) - In previous seasons the right back spot has been shared around at Barcelona, but new signing Dest seems to have nailed it down as his own. The US international has made eight appearances in La Liga so far, starting five games.

Ronald Araujo (CB) - Made his club debut last season but has been called upon more frequently this year due to Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique's injury issues. Has outperformed the more experienced Lenglet.

Clement Lenglet (CB) - Gave away an unnecessary penalty against Juventus with a handball. Needs to become more authoritative at the back, especially with Gerard Pique out injured and approaching the end of his career.

Jordi Alba (LB) - Remains diligent defensively and has chipped in with three league assists so far this campaign.

2. Midfielders

De Jong set up the winner last time out
De Jong set up the winner last time out / BSR Agency/Getty Images

Pedri (CM) - May sit in a deeper role on Thursday. The 18-year-old has been one of Barça's bright sparks this season, scoring his first La Liga and Champions League goals.

Sergio Busquets (CM) - The legs may be going, but the calm and ease on the ball is still there to see in Busquets' game. Will need a helping hand from Pedri and De Jong to ensure he's not overrun defensively on Wednesday.

Frenkie de Jong (CM) - Admitted after setting up Messi against Levante that he needs to add more assists to his game. Remains just as easy to watch, even if it has been more style over substance in recent months.

3. Forwards

Griezmann has struggled playing out wide for Barça
Griezmann has struggled playing out wide for Barça / David Ramos/Getty Images

Antoine Griezmann (RW) - It may take Messi leaving Barça for us to see the best of Griezmann. He has three league goals so far this season - a third of what he managed last term - though is undoubtedly hamstrung by playing out wide.

Lionel Messi (ST) - It may end up being his final season at Camp Nou in one of the worst Barça sides he's played for, but Messi still has enough of his heart in the side to steal wins with his unmatched quality.

Philippe Coutinho (LW) - Has become a regular starter this season, especially over the past month. Needs to add more final product to his game, with two goals and two assists in La Liga so far this season.