It’s an important season for Barcelona as the Spanish giants aim to win the La Liga title back from old rivals Real Madrid who pipped them at the post in summer. Barca return to league action on Wednesday when playing host to a Real Sociedad side that have started the season strongly and are the competition’s pacesetters heading into the week. Will they boost they hold their ground with an away win or can Barca climb the table?
Barca off the pace
Barcelona started game week down in eighth place in La Liga with their stats showing five wins and two draws against four defeats which is incredibly poor for a club of their stature in world football. The 17 points on the board means the locals are already nine off the pace set by Real Sociedad but they do have two games in hand over them.
A home win is required to set Barca’s title challenge back on track as if they were to drop points against the current leaders it would be a major blow to their chances. A lack of consistency in recent starts has led to Barcelona slipping down the table and they have won only two of their last four, losing the other two starts.
Sociedad set the pace
Real Sociedad have exploded out of the traps this season and can be found holding down pole position with 26 points in the bag after 13 games. The visitors have won seven, drawn five and lost only once thus far, scoring 23 goals while conceding six. They have one of the best defences in the league, but that backline will be tested to breaking point by the Barca attack.
Despite their great form, Sociedad are winless in their last three league games, taking only three of the nine points available to them thanks to three draws on the bounce. They have made themselves difficult to score against and difficult to beat but must start turning draws into victories if they are to continue much longer in top spot.
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad prediction
Real Sociedad may be the league leaders and in need of a return to winning ways, but all the pressure is on the home team here. Barca must win at all costs, regardless of the performance. The points are the most important thing.
La Liga odds
Barcelona are 1.61 to win at 22bet with Real Sociedad 4.78 and the draw 4.46.
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