Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Barcelona and Real Sociedad return from Copa del Rey action on Sunday when they lock horns in La Liga.

Both sides turned out in the semi-finals midweek as Barcelona drew an enthralling 4-4 clash with Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad slumped to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid. There may be more than a few tired legs this weekend.

The Catalan giants are the side in greater need of maximum points on Sunday as they hunt for La Liga glory. They are battling their traditional title rivals in the form of the Madrid duo and can ill-afford many slip-ups from now until the campaign's conclusion.

Real Sociedad are stuck in mid-table after a mediocre season to date, with Imanol Alguacil's side having lost three of their last five league games. They did, however, taste victory over Barcelona earlier in the season during an extremely controversial 1-0 win in San Sebastian.

Here is 90min's guide to Barcelona's weekend duel with Real Sociedad.

What time does Barcelona vs Real Sociedad kick-off?

Barcelona vs Real Sociedad head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Barcelona vs Real Sociedad on TV - UK & US

Barcelona team news

Andreas Christensen is injured again / Diego Souto/GettyImages

Barcelona's injury list has cleared up since the turn of the year and they are now only without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal and Andreas Christensen for Sunday's clash with Real Sociedad - the latter suffering another injury setback this week.

Hansi Flick made several changes for the midweek thriller with Atletico and should restore Robert Lewandowski to the lineup this weekend in place of Ferran Torres. Marc Casado could also come into the team having been an unused substitute on Tuesday.

However, with Champions League action against Benfica to come on Wednesday, the Barcelona boss may be tempted to rest personnel against Real Sociedad.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Real Sociedad team news

Takefusa Kubo is suspended / David Ramos/GettyImages

Alguacil will be without three first-teamers due to suspension, crucially missing integral forward Takefusa Kubo - who was once on Barcelona's books as a youngster. Sheraldo Becker and Nayef Aguerd are also absent due to bans.

Igor Zubeldia returned to action midweek following his suspension and will be available against Barcelona, although fellow centre-back Jon Pacheco remains sidelined.

Arsen Zakharyan will be sidelined with a thigh injury and former Madrid defender Alvaro Odriozola is doubtful to feature.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-1-4-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Elustondo, J. Lopez; Zubimendi; Barrenetxea, Marin, Sucic, Gomez; Oyarzabal.

Barcelona vs Real Sociedad score prediction

Barcelona seldom do dull under Flick and another entertaining affair lies in wait this weekend. Real Sociedad will want to slow the game down as much as possible in Catalonia but the endless attacking options of the home side will make that challenging.

With injuries and suspensions restricting their selection, the San Sebastian outfit are unlikely to cause an upset in Catalonia. Barcelona are in excellent form - unbeaten since the turn of the year - and should taste a relatively straightforward victory on Sunday.