Szczesny and De Jong Starter, Barcelona take advantage of the chances of winning the top of the standings

Gilabola.com – Barcelona had the opportunity to win the top of the La Liga standings when they host Real Sociedad in the seventh week, Sunday tonight 28 September 2025.

In an injury storm

The Blaugrana is currently ranked second in the standings, but with the defeat of Real Madrid in a derby against Atletico on Saturday night (27/9), Hansi Flick’s squad can overtake their eternal rivals if they win over the Basque club.

The problem is, central injury is a problem for Barca, which has made them lose Raphinha and Joan Garcia due to their new injury problems this week.

The two players must join Gavi, Fermin Lopez and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen in the club’s treatment room. While Marc Casado is also doubtful to appear tonight.

However, there are some positive things in the Barca camp, because Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde have returned to be fit and will be available to be played, although most likely both will not be a starter.

Flick will certainly pay attention to the grand match in the Champions League against PSG next week, where he must be selective in choosing his team. However, the injury makes the rotation of the player difficult for the German coach.

By considering this, the following is the possibility of the composition of the players that will be determined by Hansi Flick in the match against La Real at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday night.

Defense

Polish goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, will be a starter for the first time in this new season, after Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen cannot play.

Szczesny has never lost the La Liga match with Barcelona, ​​and will certainly be eager to extend the record tonight.

In the defense, Alejandro Balde will most likely not play since the beginning of the game, especially because he will be saved to play in the match against PSG. For this reason, Gerard Martin will continue to play at the left back.

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde is likely to return to play as a right back after he was rested in the midday match against Real Oviedo.

Ronald Araujo – The one who scored in the middle of the match, will be one of the central defenders this weekend. He is most likely to duet with Andreas Christensen, while Pau Cubarsi is likely to also not be played ahead of Barca entertaining PSG.

Midfield

In midfield, Flick has a very limited choice of players, so the rotation is almost impossible.

Pedri has become a permanent player in Barca midfield this season, and he is one of Blaugrana’s best players. He is expected to continue playing against Sociedad.

Meanwhile, with still many doubts about the availability of Casado at this time, Frenkie De Jong will return to be a starter in the match tonight, after the Dutchman gave a big impact on the team when playing as a substitute at home to Oviedo.

Without Fermin Lopez and Gavi, Dani Olmo will be Flick’s first choice as a starter in position number 10.

Attack line

Marcus Rashford recorded an assist when Barca won over Oviedo, and the British star was expected to maintain its position at the Starting XI Barcelona.

As for players in other Barca attack lines – of course with the absence of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal who have just recovered after being absent in four matches, the right wing position will be the contested position.

And, Flick is likely to reduce Ferran Torres in the right wing position tonight, until that step will open the way for Robert Lewandowski to start in the middle attacker in the match against La Real.