Barcelona start life without Pep Guardiola with what should be a routine victory over Real Sociedad at Camp Nou.
The Catalans have only added Jordi Alba to the squad and seen Seydou Keita depart, but maybe their biggest change will be in the dugout.
Tito Vilanova is the man who has been chosen to help Barcelona regain the La Liga title from Real Madrid and his first task pits him up against an optimistic Real Sociedad, but one to have lost on their last 14 trips to Camp Nou.
Isaac Cuenca are Marc Muniesa are sidelined for the hosts as is Eric Abidal who is still recovering from surgery whereas Sociedad have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Sociedad will be delighted to leave Barcelona with anything over than a defeat as they look to improve on last season and break in to the top half of La Liga. A strong pre-season and an interesting squad selection has the team hopeful that this is all possible.
Kick off: Sunday, August 19 at 8pm (UK time)
Keep an eye on: Jordi Alba (Barcelona) – the full back was superb in the European Championships for Spain scoring one of the goals of the tournament. The new signing from Valencia will be looking to make an early impression for the Spanish giants.
Form Guide: Barcelona ( – – – – ) Real Sociedad ( – – – – )
Last season: Barcelona 2-1 Real Sociedad
Stat Fact: Real Sociedad haven’t picked up a point at Camp Nou since April 1995.
Barcelona (probable): Valdes; Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas; Messi, Alexis, Iniesta
Real Sociedad (probable): Bravo; Estrada, Ansotegi, Gonzalez, Angel; Elustondo, Illarramendi; Vela, Zurutuza, Griezmann; Agirretxe
