Barcelona have won 25 of their last 26 matches at home against Real Sociedad

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.

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 (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

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.