Barcelona faces a determined Real Sociedad side in a single-legged semifinal clash of the Spanish Super Cup. The Catalonians are on an eight-match unbeaten run and will be looking to extend it.
While Real Sociedad wants to win as badly as Barcelona, a loss for them will not be as bad as it will be for Koeman’s men. Their poor start to the La Liga season has left them looking for all possible avenues to keep fans happy and keep their own spirits up.
Real Sociedad had begun the season with much gusto which appears to have waned now. They have only won one match in their last 12 while Barcelona has won their last four away matches.
Also, there is a chance that if Barcelona and Real Madrid defeat their opponents, they could set up an El Clasico Super Cup final on 17 January 2021.
A midfield trio of De Jong, Busquets and Pedri will likely boss Real Sociedad. We expect that the teams will line up in their traditional 4-3-3 formation.
Willian José and Oyarzabal are real threats and Barca’s back four will have to be wary not to be caught sleeping.
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Team News
Real Sociedad may be without David Silva who has a muscle injury as well as Aihen Muñoz. They have reason to smile as they welcome back two key players – Asier Illarramendi and Nacho Monreal.
At Camp Nou, Barcelona is still without the services of Ansu Fati, Gerard Piqué, Philippe Coutinho and Sergi Roberto. Ronald Araujo may not make the team if he is not fit enough.
Prediction
Pundits predict that Real Sociedad and Barcelona will provide a host of goals as both sides are among the highest-scoring teams in La Liga.
Barcelona’s recent form and Messi’s return to goal-scoring form gives Blaugrana the edge. But Sociedad could get a chance to punish them as well.
Verdict: Real Sociedad 2-4 Barcelona
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