Real Sociedad - Barcelona predictions and free betting tips [04/11/2023]

On Saturday, 4 November, as part of the 12th round of the Spanish La Liga, Real Sociedad will host Barcelona. Xavier's team lost at home 1:2 to Madrid's Real last weekend in El Clásico, while Sociedad beat modest Bunyol 0:1 in the Copa del Rey this week, hoping to extend their four-match unbeaten run. 

Predicted Lineups

Real Sociedad: Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Munoz; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix. 

Stadium

The match will take place in Sociedad at the Reale Arena. 

Real Sociedad

In the top five of La Liga, Real Sociedad will try to secure its spot among the top four as a result of today's match. The Basques have been impressing with their performance this season, being unbeaten in their last four encounters. Ahead of their home game against Benfica in the Champions League next week, the White and Blues lead their group in the main continental championship. The team kicked in the Copa del Rey this week, beating Bunyol 0:1 - the only goal was scored by Carlos Fernandez in the 67th minute.

It's worth noting that San Sebastian's side previously drew away against Rayo Vallecano (2:2). Imanol Alguacil's side is unbeaten at home in all competitions this season, having won four of their last five matches in front of their fans, all these victories coming in La Liga. The season for Andre Silva, who moved to Sociedad from RB Leipzig on loan, has not been the best: having just arrived here, the Portuguese frequently ends up in the infirmary. 

Barcelona

Last week Barcelona, previously unbeaten in all competitions, suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 1:2 in El Clásico to perpetual rival Real Madrid. Ilkay Gündogan scored on the sixth-minute mark, but a brace from Jude Bellingham turned the meeting uproariously. Last month, the Catalans drew with Mallorca (2:2) and Granada (2:2), thereby spoiling their standing in the league table. Currently, the Catalans sit fourth in the standings, trailing Real by four points. However, Barcelona is in a favourable position in their Champions League group, having racked up nine points in the first three rounds, allowing them to top Group H. By the way, next week the Blaugrana will head to Hamburg for a duel with Shakhtar.

While Jules Kounde and Robert Lewandowski returned to action before El Clásico, Dutchman Frenkie de Jong and Sergi Roberto are recuperating in the infirmary. Xavi included Pedri in the squad on the eve of the match, but he certainly won't start. Jamal, Balde, Cancelo and Joao Felix have had decent runs this season and are sure to start along with Oriol Romeu in the defensive midfield. Lewandowski, Gavi and Gündogan (who scored in El Clásico) should not be discounted either. The Catalans clearly lack reliability in defence (12 conceded in 11 rounds), despite it being a strong point for the Blaugrana last year and one of the reasons for their triumph in La Liga. 

Head-to-Head

In May, the reigning champions were defeated 1:2 by Real Sociedad, but the Catalans have not lost to the White and Blues away since April 2016. 

Match Prediction: Real Sociedad vs Barcelona

This will be an important match for both teams. Sociedad will try to please their fans at home, while Barça can't afford a second defeat in La Liga following the El Clásico failure. Xavi is pleased that the previously injured leaders are back in action, which means we can see the Catalan side at their best again, as they were in early autumn. My prediction is a Barcelona victory with a handicap of 0. 

Total Prediction

As mentioned earlier, Barca has not been perfect in defence this season. Of course, the Catalans will score – and not just once, but a clean sheet for Ter Stegen is unlikely. My prediction is "both will score". 

Corner Prediction

Barcelona is of a higher class and extremely motivated to win - so will possess the initiative for most of the time. The Blaugrana will win on corners. 

Yellow Card Prediction

Neither team is known for excessive roughness on the field, so my bet is on a total of less than 4.5 yellow cards. 

Score Prediction

I will bet on an exact score of 1:2 in favour of Barcelona.