Four Changes To Go Three Clear

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will make at least four changes for Sunday’s meeting with Real Sociedad in La Liga, which presents the Catalans with a chance to go a point clear at the top of the table.

That was granted after bitter rival Real Madrid fluffed its lines and lost 2-1 to Real Betis in Seville on Saturday night, while Atletico Madrid got past Athletic Club with a 1-0 win to gain a two-point advantage.

At his prematch press conference, though, held before Carlo Ancelotti’s men’s latest slip up, Flick wasn’t taking La Real for granted.

“La Real is a very good team. They defend well and know how to play good football,” the German stated, ahead of confirming there’ll be rotations in Montjuic coming off the back of Tuesday’s gruelling 4-4 Copa del Rey semifinal first leg draw to Atletico Madrid, with one eye also on a Champions League last 16 showdown with Benfica.

“As I always say, we need fresh legs. Yes, yes, there will be changes. But I won’t tell you which ones,” Flick teased.

While that may be so, the first of those involves taking Inigo Martinez out for Ronald Araujo, who will partner Pau Cubarsi in central defense.

The full backs are Gerard Martin and Jules Kounde helping to defend Wojciech Szczesny’s goal.

As for the lone pivot, Marc Casado comes in for Frenkie de Jong, with Flick having discussed the basis for choosing one or the other when prompted to during his sitdown before the media.

“It’s a good question, and a difficult one,” Flick began on the matter. “I think Frenkie has improved a lot in the last few months. I think Casado, when you need more stability in defence, offers it to you. He is always focused on defense. With Frenkie we can get more possession and calm in some situations. Casado is young and has room to improve, but this season he is doing well and he can feel very proud of he’s doing so far.”

In front of the La Masia product will be a more advanced midfielder duo of Pedri and Dani Olmo.

Rested against Atleti, Robert Lewandowski reassumes his striking responsibilities flanked by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal to his left and right.

FC Barcelona Starting XI Vs. Real Sociedad: Szczesny; Gerard, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde; Casado; Olmo, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Lamine