Real Sociedad v Barcelona predictions: Xavi's men to take maximum points

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Real Sociedad v Barcelona in La Liga on Sunday.

Where to watch

ITV4 & Premier Sports 1, 9pm Sunday

Best bet

Barcelona
1pt 11-10 general

Preview

Barcelona were able to field four new players in their opener against Rayo Vallecano last Saturday, but could manage a only 0-0 draw.

It was a frustrating night for Barca manager Xavi, who saw the threat of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha curtailed by a stubborn Vallecano side, but his side enjoyed a much better second half in that game and managed 21 shots at the Camp Nou.

Vallecano seem to have established a sturdy game plan when playing Barcelona, though, whereas the Catalan club's next opponents Real Sociedad play more expansively and should give Xavi's side more opportunities.

Real Sociedad opened with a 1-0 win over Cadiz last time out but they are clearly still missing their main creative threat Mikel Oyarzabal, who has been sidelined since March, and they lost home and away to Barcelona last season.

Real Madrid were the only club with a better away record than Barcelona in La Liga last term and the visitors are worth a bet to register their first win of the campaign.

Key stat

Barcelona lost only two of their 19 away games in La Liga last season.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Not got a bet365 account? Bet £10 & get £50 in free bets

Open account offer. Minimum deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as bet credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude bet credits stake. Time limits/T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Sign up to emails from Racing Post Sport and get all the latest news and tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport