Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad - La Liga
By Sean Walsh
Barcelona face Real Sociedad at the Anoeta on Thursday looking to bounce back from two successive defeats.
Eintracht Frankfurt and Cadiz both won at Camp Nou last week to end Barça's hopes of Europa League glory and whatever dreams they had of catching Real Madrid in La Liga's title race.
Xavi's side now need to make sure this is just a blip and secure their place in the top four, but defeat to La Real on Thursday would open the door to yet another team in the race for a Champions League place and victory is a must.
Here's how the Blaugrana could line up...
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) - Didn't cover himself in glory in the Cadiz defeat but he remains the undisputed number one.
Dani Alves (RB) - Started Barcelona's last win against Levante just over a week ago but hasn't featured since.
Ronald Araujo (CB) - Missed the Cadiz defeat through suspension and Barça missed his presence at the back.
Eric Garcia (CB) - Gerard Pique could return from a groin strain but Garcia should get the nod from the off.
Jordi Alba (LB) - Hey, it's not as if Barcelona could really play anyone else here.
2. Midfielders
Sergio Busquets (DM) - His experienced head is so important with Xavi trying to blood through so many promising youngsters. Speaking of which...
Gavi (CM) - What a revelation the 17-year-old has been. Barcelona have to tie him down to a new contract befitting of his status.
Frenkie de Jong (CM) - Enjoying a resurgence under Xavi and is usually one of Barça's most creative outlets.
3. Forwards
Ousmane Dembele (RW) - Like De Jong, Dembele has re-announced himself as one of Barcelona's most important players in recent months.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (CF) - Xavi's decision to start Memphis Depay last time out came back to bite him and the Gabon captain should be reinstated up top.
Ferran Torres (LW) - Hasn't provided a goal or assist in La Liga since his scintillating El Clasico display before the March internationals. Luck's gotta change sometime, right?