How will Barcelona line up against Real Sociedad?

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Ronald Koeman side aim’s to continue their fine run in La Liga

Barcelona return to action on Sunday in La Liga after a rare week off and should be well-rested for the trip to Anoeta to take on Real Sociedad.

Ronald Koeman’s side are on a 17-match unbeaten run in La Liga but face a really tough test against the Basque side who are fifth in the table.

Let’s look at who might feature:

Defense

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Center-back Ronald Araujo made his return from injury as a substitute against Huesca and could now go back into the starting XI for Sunday’s match. Oscar Mingueza and Clement Lenglet may also get the nod, while Samuel Umtiti is also available.

Gerard Pique is absent once again but could return after the international break, so too Sergi Roberto who is working his way back from a recurrence of a thigh injury.

Sergino Dest and Jordi Alba look set to continue out wide for the visitors.

Midfield

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Barring any surprises, Koeman will go with his first choice midfield which means starts for Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. There are other options but players such as Miralem Pjanic and Riqui Puig are struggling for minutes at the moment.

Indeed 18-year-old Ilaix Moriba seems to have jumped ahead of the duo in the pecking order at the Camp Nou and will be hoping for more first-team minutes off the bench on Sunday.

Attack

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Captain Lionel Messi will claim the record for the most Barcelona appearances in the history of the club when he takes to the field against Real Sociedad after matching Xavi’s record last time out.

The Argentine is in superb form and bagged a brace and an assist last time out. Koeman will be hoping the captain can continue in the same vein against Real Sociedad.

Antoine Griezmann was also on target with a stunning strike against Huesca but is by no means guaranteed a start. Koeman may decide to play Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele alongside Messi or simply choose one of the two.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Araujo, Lenglet; Dest, Busquets, De Jong, Pedri, Alba; Messi, Dembele.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Real Sociedad on Sunday? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!

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