After a weakened Real Madrid beat Eibar earlier on Saturday, it’s Barcelona’s turn to do the same against Real Sociedad this evening.
Claudio Bravo’s return in goal is the first of five new faces brought in by Luis Enrique as Sergi Roberto comes in at left-back, Arda Turan and Rafinha are named alongside Sergio Busquets in midfield and Luis Suarez’s suspension is covered by Munir El Haddadi.
Rafinha’s inclusion in the Barca XI is most notable, given the trip to Anoeta marks the Brazilian’s first start since damaging knee ligaments last September.
The Catalans haven’t beaten La Real away from home since 2007, during which time the latter have been relegated and promoted back to La Liga, although their 1-0 defeat in January 2015 served as the turning point in their treble-winning campaign.
Barcelona: Bravo; Sergi, Pique, Mascherano, Alves; Busquets, Arda, Rafinha; Messi, Munir, Neymar
Subs: Ter Stegen, Rakitic, Iniesta, Bartra, Alba, Adriano, Vermaelen
Real Sociedad: Rulli; Elustondo, Reyes, Mikel, De la Bella; Prieto, Granero, Illarra; Oyarzabal, Vela, Zurutuza
Subs: Bardaji, Bruma, Pardo, Zaldua, Hector, Jonathas, Zubeldia
Referee: Iglesias Villanueva
