TIPS - FC Barcelona VS Real Sociedad

[(FC Barcelona) Strength]:
1. FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal sustained an injury during the September international break and has missed four consecutive matches. In the pre-match press conference, the head coach Hans-Dieter Flick said, “Lamine Yamal will get minutes tomorrow for sure. Whether as a starter or as a sub, he will play. I think he's completely ready, there's no risk of relapse.”
2. FC Barcelona right-back Eric Garcia scored the equalizer in the last league match against Real Oviedo, helping FC Barcelona secure a 3-1 comeback victory. Additionally, he contributed 1 tackle, 3 clearances, 1 interception, and created 1 chance, earning him the Player of the Match award after the game.
3. FC Barcelona's summer loan signing from Manchester United, winger Marcus Rashford, provided an assist for Ronald Araujo's goal in the last league match. Over the past four official matches, he has contributed 2 goals and 3 assists, directly involved in goals for four consecutive matches.
4. FC Barcelona defeated Real Oviedo 3-1 in the last league match away from home. They have kept unbeaten in 6 league matches this season with 5 wins and 1 draw, being in red-hot form.
5. FC Barcelona have a full offense, scoring 19 goals in 6 league matches this season, with an average of more than 3 goals per game. They are the most prolific team in La Liga so far.
6. FC Barcelona have conceded 4 goals in 6 league matches this season with a solid defense, keeping two clean sheets in the process.
7. FC Barcelona have been quite strong at home, winning both league matches in the new season without conceding a goal.
8. FC Barcelona have got 4 wins and 2 losses in their last 6 league encounters, being at a clear advantage.

[(FC Barcelona) Weakness]:
1. FC Barcelona are currently plagued by injuries: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, and Fermin Lopez are out long-term; key players such as goalkeeper Joan Garcia and forward Raphinha were confirmed injured after the last league match; Alejandro Balde is still in the recovery phase and is unlikely to play in this match; Marc Casado withdrew early from pre-match training due to physical discomfort and may also be unavailable for the game.

[(Real Sociedad) Strength]:
1. Real Sociedad's key forward Mikel Oyarzabal scored the only goal in the last round of the league, grabbing all 3 points for the team at home, which ended their winless run.
2. Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea has provided assists in two consecutive league matches, delivering lively performances on the flanks.
3. Real Sociedad defeated RCD Mallorca 1-0 at home in the last league match, which was their first league win in the new season, ending their 5-game winless run with an improved form.

[(Real Sociedad) Weakness]:
1. Real Sociedad forward Orri Oskarsson and midfielder Yangel Herrera are out of this match due to injuries. Defender Aritz Elustondo is doubtful due to injury.
2. Real Sociedad's offense has been powerless, scoring 6 goals in 6 league matches so far this season, with an average of only 1 goal per game.
3. Real Sociedad have serious problems at the back end, conceding 9 goals in 6 league matches this season, with an average of only 1.5 goals per game.
4. Real Sociedad are not competitive at all on the road. They have got 1 draw and 2 losses in 3 league matches away from home, having not tasted a win in 7 successive league away matches across the seasons.
5. Real Sociedad's away record against FC Barcelona is historically poor. In their last 24 league visits to Camp Nou, they have got just one victory, suffering defeat in the other 23 matches.

[Tips]:
Red-hot FC Barcelona haven't lost any of their 5 league matches so far and even won 5 of them, with great performances on both ends, and their home performance is quite strong. However, the team's injury issues continue to worsen.

Real Sociedad have been in poor form this season. They didn't grab the first win in this season until the last round. The team's performances on both ends were unbalanced, and their away ability was limited.

What's worse, Real Sociedad have been absolutely inferior in H2H records against FC Barcelona, so they should not be overestimated in this away match.

Thus, we expect FC Barcelona to score a perfect win at home.

[Recommended]:
FC Barcelona (-1.5/2)