By Content Editor
13 August 2021, 22:13 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Match Preview FC Barcelona vs Real Sociedad La Liga Aug 15, 2021

Spanish La Liga fixture, F.C. Barcelona vs. Real Sociedad kicks off at 19:00 (GMT+1) on Sunday, August 15 at Camp Nou.

Preview FC Barcelona La Liga, Aug 15, 2021

Preview Barcelona will prepare for life without Lionel Messi after the 34-year-old departed his boyhood club after 21 years in the colours of the club. Barcelona failed to meet an earlier agreed contract that would keep the Argentine at Camp Nou for a considerable length of time, citing financial and structural constraints. Messi had helped Barcelona to a 3-0 victory over Juventus in the Joan Gamper Trophy game played on Sunday, the 8th of August. In preparation for the new season, they acquired the services of Memphis Depay on a free transfer from Olympique Lyon while Argentine ace, Sergio Aguero also joined the squad on a similar arrangement. Right-back, Emerson Royal also made the switch from Real Betis for €9M. Eric Garcia reunited with ex-City teammate Sergio Aguero after joining Barcelona also on a free transfer. An attacking 3--4--3 formation is expected from Ronald Koeman on the opening day of the season. Barcelona could be without as many as five players for this opening game. In the long injury list, Sergio Aguero is expected to miss this fixture due to a calf injury while Ousmane Dembélé is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Preview Real Sociedad La Liga, Aug 15, 2021

Preview Real Sociedad finished in 5th place at the end of the 2020/2021 La Liga season, - after earning 62 points from 38 games. The White and Blues took part in the pre-season tour that saw them defeat the likes of Osasuna, 3-1, Monaco, 2-1 and Eibar, 3-1. However, they lost to AZ Alkmaar by a lone goal. Shot stopper, Matthew Ryan joined the White and Blues for an undisclosed fee from the Premier League side, Brighton & Hove Albion while Diego Rico became another addition in a €500Th. deal. Coach, Imanol Alguacil would be looking forward to an impressive outing from his side on Match Day 1. A victory over Barcelona appears to be an unlikely outcome but a draw is possible. A 4--2--3--1 formation with Aleksander Isak leading the attack for the White and Blues is anticipated when Real Sociedad reveal their official lineup. Isak had an impressive outing at the recently concluded Euro 2020 after helping Real Sociedad to 17 goals last season. On availability, Monreal, Fernandez, and Zubeldia may be unavailable for Imanol Alguacil on Sunday when Sociedad make their first appearance of the season.

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