Match Preview: Saturday 18/03/2006 20:00 (GMT+1): La Liga match day 28
Real Sociedad - FC Barcelona

Anoeta, San Sebastian – capacity: 32.000


Referee: Lizondo Cortés


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Váldes – Oleguer, Marquez, Puyol, Gio – Van Bommel (Iniesta), Edmilson, Deco, - Larsson, Eto'o, Ronaldinho – Manager: Frank Rijkaard



Real Sociedad (4-4-2): Alberto - Rekarte, Labaka, Viáfara, Garrido - Stevanovic, M.Alonso, Garitano, M.González - Nihat, Skoubo - Manager: Gonzalo Arconada


FC Barcelona is 11 matches away from defending the Primera Championship title conquered last year. Another important step can be made against relegation-threatened Real Sociedad in San Sebatian at Anoeta Stadium on Saturday night (kick-off: 20:00 GMT +1).


Edmilson will play. The Spanish Football Federation's Appeals Committee has withdrawn the second yellow card shown to José Edmílson against Osasuna, and so the Brazilian will now be able to play against Real Sociedad. Beletti and Gabri replace thiago Motta and Maxi. The inclusion of Juliano Belletti and Gabri are the two changes made by Frank Rijkaard in his squad that will travel to San Sebastian this weekend. They take the places of Motta, who is suspended, and Maxi, who has been left out by managerial decision.


Barça should not be concerned about Valencia or Real Madrid. Barça's only opponent currently is Barca itself. As long as Barca don't lose, their are no rivals. FC Barcelona are 9 points clear of the closest teams Valencia and Real Madrid. FC Barcelona lost the last match 2-1 against CA Osasuna last weekend but coach Frank Rijkaard will make sure that the Barca team will return to the winning track to keep the cushion they have at the moment.

Barça will be challenged by a desperately fighting Real Sociedad still involved in the relegation battle, two points and four places above the drop zone. It will not be an easy match for Barça, but the team will be prepared to come home to Catalonia with 3 points in their luggage. Valencia and Real Madrid are under pressure and any loss of points will mean there are out of the title race.


Our prediction: 3 more points on the prositive side of the account and 1 match less to play. Barça wins 1-0.


Visca el Barça!





Here are the odds for the game.

FC Barcelona 1,50

Draw 3,75
CA Osasuna 5,85




To place your bet click here