Barcelona team news: The Catalan giants will take on Real Sociedad in the La Liga as they aim to secure another league title.
The Barca camp is in high spirits after a dominating win over Manchester United in the quarterfinal of the Champions League.
Lionel Messi scored twice, while Phil Coutinho returned to scoring with a brilliant goal from outside the box as the Catalan giants overpowered Solskjaer’s side in the second leg.
However, Barcelona will now shift their focus on La Liga. The side might be nine points ahead of the second-placed Atletico Madrid, but were held to a frustrating goalless draw by the bottom-placed Huesca last weekend.
Ernesto Valverde’s men will aim to secure a second consecutive league title as soon as possible, so that they can concentrate on their Champions League run. Barcelona will take on Liverpool in the semifinal of the competition.
As Barcelona returns to action in the league for the clash against Real Sociedad, we take a look at the side’s predicted line up for the clash.
Barcelona predicted line up vs Real Sociedad
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
The German goalkeeper has been an absolute rock for Barcelona this season. Ter Stegen has recorded the fourth-highest saves in this season across Europe’s top-5 leagues, and played a crucial role in side’s victory against Manchester United, where he kept a clean sheet across both the legs.
Defence: Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba
Ernesto Valverde is expected to play his strongest line of defence for the game. Gerard Pique missed the previous league game against Huesca due to suspension, having picked up a yellow card in the clash against Atletico Madrid.
Clement Lenglet is also set to be restored in the lineup alongside Jordi Alba, while Nelson Semedo, who started from the bench against Manchester United, is also expected to be called back.
Midfield: Rakitic, Arthur, Roberto
Arthur was one of the most impressive players in the side’s victory over Manchester United in the second leg of the quarterfinal tie. He has emerged as a key player in Barcelona’s midfield and he is expected to take his place alongside Ivan Rakitic and Sergi Roberto.
#Barcelona midfield is controlled by a Brazilian named Arthur. They wanted an Iniesta and they got one. Very few can create an impact in his very first season in clubs like Barcelona and our Arthur is one of them. His progress is giving Selecao hope. #Brazil pic.twitter.com/1tdaXhMAt3
— Faisal Caesar (@faisalyorker1) April 17, 2019
Forward: Messi, Suarez, Dembele
Lionel Messi was rested for the game against Huesca, while Luis Suarez, like Gerard Pique, was suspended for the game. However, both are likely to return against Real Sociedad as Valverde chases a win in the league to prevent Atletico Madrid closing in.
Ousmane Dembele had a frustrating night against Huesca, but he would be hungry to make amends. The Frenchman was being reinstated into the line up after spending a considerable amount of time on the sidelines with injury, and is expected to be included in the starting XI.
Barcelona predicted line up vs Huesca:
Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Arthur, Roberto; Messi, Suarez, Dembele
