Araujo, Lewandowski start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Real Sociedad | OneFootball

After an enthralling cup match against Atletico Madrid in midweek, FC Barcelona will be back in action in La Liga on Sunday as they take on Real Sociedad in matchweek 26.

The Blaugrana were not at their brilliant best in recent games against Rayo Vallecano and Las Palmas while their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed by Atletico in midweek.

As such, Hansi Flick will be hoping to correct his team’s course at the earliest, especially with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in a position to open a lead at the top given that they are in action on Saturday.

It will not be easy, though, given that Imanol Alguacil’s side defeated Barça 1-0 in the reverse fixture at the Reale Arena earlier in the season.

Ahead of the game against La Real, Barcelona were dealt with a fresh injury setback as Andreas Christensen suffered a relapse days after receiving his medical discharge. He joins Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal on the sidelines.

Manager Flick hinted that there will be rotations for tomorrow’s game, which makes sense given Barcelona play Benfica next week in the UEFA Champions League. Here’s how the Catalans could line up against the Basque club.

Defence

There is no looking past Wojciech Szczesny in the Barcelona goal, with the veteran Polish shot-stopper becoming the manager’s preferred option ahead of Inaki Pena.

A change in the backline is expected with Pau Cubarsi, who has been playing relentlessly, in contention for a rest. In his place, Ronald Araujo, who has barely played in recent matches, is likely to get the nod alongside Inigo Martinez in defence.

Meanwhile, Gerard Martin is likely to get a rare start at left-back, with Alejandro Balde being granted a rest. On the other side, Jules Kounde should hold on to his spot as Barça’s premier right-back.

Midfield

Set to start? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

There are expected to be one or two alterations in the middle of the park as well. Marc Casado, who was an unused substitute against Atletico in midweek, should receive a starting opportunity tomorrow against Real Sociedad.

It would come at the expense of Frenkie de Jong, who has become a regular in recent weeks but still needs some work on the defensive side of his game.

Pedri is a guaranteed starter in the centre of the pitch for the Blaugrana and given the form he has shown, the Spanish magician will once again hold the key for the home team.

Dani Olmo, meanwhile, should hold on to his place in the attacking midfield position for the Catalans, ahead of Fermin Lopez and Gavi, who will hope to have a bigger impact when he comes on as a substitute.

Attack

The attacking unit is set for at least one change tomorrow as Robert Lewandowski should reclaim his spot as the centre-forward after having made way for Ferran Torres against Atletico Madrid.

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal should hold on to their places on the flanks but Flick could look to give them a rest in the later stages of the match.