Barcelona host struggling Sociedad

Two of Spain’s four Champions League participants go head-to-head for the first time this season when Barcelona host Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou on Tuesday. Jagoba Arrasate’s men have taken just two points from three league games against Levante, Atletico Madrid and Malaga.

However, captain Xabi Prieto is confident that despite going to arguably the toughest venue in Spain, they can turn things around quickly. “We can’t always score four goals. Indeed, we have had clean sheets in five of the eight games we have played and this in the long-term in a good thing,” he told the club’s website.

By contrast, Barcelona have started the league season with five straight wins and started to show signs of their best form with consecutive 4-0 victories over Ajax and Rayo Vallecano in the past week. Gerardo Martino’s men could be further boosted by the return of club captain Carles Puyol for the first time this season after he took a full part in training on Sunday. With Barca playing 24 hours ahead of Real Madrid, the Catalans could be five points ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s men who travel to face Elche on Wednesday.

Fixtures: Tuesday Barca v Sociedad, Levante v Valladolid, Malaga v Almeria, Atletico v Osasuna  Wednesday: Sevilla v Rayo, Granada v Valencia, Elche v Real Madrid
Thursday: Bilbao v Betis, Villarreal v Espanyol, Getafe v Celta Vigo.