Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the La Liga match.
Barcelona are motivated to cut the gap to Real Madrid, who are yet to drop a point. Real Sociedad, fresh from their first win of the season against RCD Mallorca, will try to build on it and pull clear of the relegation zone, but their away form is not impressive.
Barcelona
Barcelona are playing forceful attacking football, scoring 19 goals in six league matches despite a single blip — a draw on a dreadful pitch against Rayo Vallecano (1:1). In the last match against Real Oviedo (3:1), the team had 80% possession, attempted 22 shots (10 on target) and scored three times with 2.13 xG. The defence have conceded only four goals in six games, with only the league leaders better on three. Despite injuries to Lamine Yamal, Pablo Gavira and Fermín López, Hans-Dieter Flick still has players who can score. Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Raphael Belloli lead the attack and have combined for 10 of the team’s goals.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad have started to climb out of their slump, taking their first victory of the season over RCD Mallorca (1:0) thanks to a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal. However, the team’s play remains unconvincing: in their first five matches they conceded nine goals, including two at home to Real Madrid (0:2), even with a man advantage. Away from home the situation is poor — they are winless in seven successive matches.
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad Prediction
Barcelona are superior in form and quality: the attacking unit breaks down vulnerable defences, while a reliable back line minimises threats from an inconsistent Real Sociedad. We expect a home win by a margin of at least two goals.
