How Barcelona could line up against Real Sociedad

Barcelona will attempt to continue their pursuit of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid when they travel to San Sebastian to face Real Sociedad on Sunday night.

Ronald Koeman's side, who are currently second in the table, four points off the summit, will again be without the services of Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho and Sergi Roberto this weekend through injury, while Gerard Pique is also unlikely to be available due to a knee problem.

The Catalan giants did not pick up any fresh issues against Huesca on Monday night, though, and it would not be a surprise to see Koeman send the same starting XI onto the field.

Ronald Araujo has recovered from an ankle problem and is an option at the back, but Frenkie de Jong could again join Oscar Mingueza and Clement Lenglet as part of a back three.

Sergio Busquets and Pedri should continue as the midfield two in a 3-4-3 formation, while Koeman is unlikely to make changes in attack, meaning that Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele should again join Lionel Messi.

There remains speculation surrounding Messi's future, but a recent report claimed that the Argentine is now likely to sign a new long-term contract with Barca.

The 33-year-old is enjoying another fine campaign, scoring 21 times and registering nine assists in 25 La Liga outings, while he has 27 goals in all competitions for the season.

Trincao and Martin Braithwaite could feature for the away side off the bench, while the likes of Miralem Pjanic and Samuel Umtiti are also expected to be among the substitutes.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Lenglet, De Jong; Dest, Busquets, Pedri, Alba; Dembele, Messi, Griezmann

> Click here to see how Real Sociedad could line up for this contest