COPA DEL REY
27 January 2017 01:45
Camp Nou, Barcelona


Barcelona vs Real Sociedad Preview

Barcelona goes to Real Sociedad on Thursday in the Copa Del Rey quarterfinals with a daunting task at hand. Playing at a stadium where the team hasn’t had success in quite some time, a result could be tricky to come by but the Catalan club is boosted by the return of Gerard Pique. Here’s how to watch and our prediction for the match.

BARCELONA V REAL SOCIEDAD: TEAM NEWS

Barcelona suffered another midfield injury casualty as Sergi Roberto sustained an ankle injury in the Roma game. The La Masia starlet has been impressive this season, but will likely miss out. Javier Mascherano could be set for a return after hobbling off in the Clasico last time out, although he could be afforded a rest.

Last week, Asier Illarramendi picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Sevilla and as a consequence, is suspended for the trip to Barcelona. Jonathas and David Zurutuza are expected to miss out through injury, while Alain Oyarzun, Oier Olazabal and Raul Navas could all return into the thick of the action.

BARCELONA V REAL SOCIEDAD: PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Barcelona: Bravo, Pique, Alves, Mathieu, Alba, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta, Suarez, Neymar, Messi


Real Sociedad: Rulli, Gonzalez, Martinez, Berchiche, Elustondo, Bruma, Prieto, Pardo, Canales, Bergara, Agirretxe

BARCELONA V REAL SOCIEDAD: KEY STATS

Barcelona have beaten Real Sociedad just once in the two team’s past four meetings in all competitions.
Real Sociedad have never beaten Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona recent form: WWWWW, Real Sociedad recent form: LWLLW


Prediction: Barcelona always seems to have trouble at Anoeta. It’s been nearly a decade since Barca has won there, losing five and drawing three in their last eight trips. There is just something about their matches in San Sebastian where you expect Real to get a result, and the hosts are in a fine run of form, sitting in fifth place in La Liga on top of making it this far in the cup. Again, Real doesn’t fall at home to Barca.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Real Sociedad