Real Sociedad vs Barcelona: will Barcelona extend their winning streak?
In the Matchday 20 fixture of Spain’s La Liga, we are set for a clash between Real Sociedad and Barcelona. The game will take place on Sunday, 18 January, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 CET. I am offering a betting pick for this match.
Real Sociedad vs Barcelona: match facts and head-to-head
- Real Sociedad are unbeaten in five consecutive games: three wins and two draws.
- Real Sociedad have scored in six straight matches.
- In their last seven matches, Sociedad have failed to keep a clean sheet.
- Barcelona have won their last 11 matches.
- Barcelona have scored in 11 consecutive matches.
- Barcelona have scored at least two goals in 11 straight matches.
- In 52% of their matches this season, Barcelona have scored in both halves.
- Barcelona have kept a clean sheet in 33% of their matches this season, compared to 13% for Sociedad.
- Barcelona have lost only 4% of their matches without scoring this season, while Sociedad have done so in 13%.
- Barcelona defeated Sociedad 2:1 in their most recent head-to-head meeting.
Real Sociedad vs Barcelona: match preview
Sociedad are currently in the lower half of the table, having collected 21 points after 19 matches. They sit in 12th place and are just four points clear of the relegation zone. While the margin is not significant, their recent results have been strong, allowing them to pull away from the bottom. A five-match unbeaten run has lifted them up to 12th place. They are eight points adrift of the European qualification spots, so if the Basques can maintain a similar run, they could potentially challenge for a top-six or top-seven finish.
Barcelona are in excellent form and currently lead the table. They sit top of La Liga and have already built a small gap over second place. The Catalans have won 11 matches in a row and have scored at least two goals in each of those games. Barca now have 49 points after 19 matches and hold a four-point advantage over Real Madrid. A few days ago, Hansi Flick’s side beat Racing 2:0 in the Copa del Rey to reach the quarter-finals, and last weekend they defeated Real Madrid 3:2 in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.
Probable line-ups
- Real Sociedad: Remiro; Aramburu, Caleta-Car, Martin, Gomez; Soler, Turrientes; Kubo, Mendez, Guedes; Oyarzabal
- Barcelona: E Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; F Torres
Prediction
Barcelona are the favourites for this match, in my view. They are in fantastic form and I believe they can come out on top in this game. It will not be easy, as Sociedad are also performing well, but Barcelona’s superior squad depth and current momentum should make the difference.
