Official: Barcelona starting XI vs Real Sociedad – Yamal excluded

Barcelona’s quest to maintain their position as table-toppers resumes tonight as they lock horns with Real Sociedad at the Anoeta, a notoriously difficult venue for the Catalan giants.

While the Catalan giants have been enjoying the form of their life with successive victories, Hansi Flick has opted to shake up his lineup for the clash, following the news of Lamine Yamal’s exclusion.

The usual suspects have been selected to marshal the back line, with Inaki Pena guarding the posts and Inigo Martinez pairing up with Pau Cubarsi at the heart of the defense.

Despite suffering a brutal injury against Red Star Belgrade that required ten stitches, Cubarsi will continue to play, now with the added protection of a mask.

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde is berthed as the right-back, and he will be looking to extend his strong form after delivering a hat trick of assists. Alejandro Balde also returns to the starting lineup, taking ownership of the left-back spot.

Marc Casado and Frenkie de Jong occupy the double pivot, as Frenkie earns a successive start. Pedri is placed higher up the pitch to compensate for the pair as an attacking midfielder.

With Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo absent from the front line, Flick has seemingly decided to field Fermin Lopez as the left-winger and place Raphinha as a right-winger, a position he is vastly familiar with.

Having scored against Red Star as a substitute and making a promising cameo on the left, Fermin’s inclusion hardly surprises.

Leading the attack is Robert Lewandowski, who will be eager to extend his lead in the race for the Pichichi trophy.