Real Sociedad vs Barcelona: TV channel, live stream, squad news & preview

Barcelona will attempt to continue their 100 per cent start to the 2018-19 Liga season when they take on Real Sociedad at Anoeta on Saturday.

Newly promoted Huesca were the latest side to feel the wrath of the defending champions prior to the international break, going down 8-2 at Camp Nou.

The Catalans currently share the summit with bitter rivals Real Madrid, who have also started the new season with three wins in three. 

Anoeta, however, has historically proven a tough stage for Barca, and Real Sociedad will be hopeful of making a statement of their own despite a mixed start to the campaign.

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TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch

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In the United States (US) the game will be be shown live on television on beIN Sports.

The game can be watched live on television in the United Kingdom (UK) via Eleven Sports 1 and it can be streamed live online using the Eleven Sports app.

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Squads & Team News

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A spate of injuries have left Real Sociedad down to the bare bones in attack, with Willian Jose, Adnan Januzaj and Sandro all unavailable for the hosts.

They have adopted a defensive approach for this game.

Real Sociedad XI: Rulli; Zaldua, Aritz, Moreno, Theo; Moreno; Illarramendi, Zubeldia, Pardo, Zurutuza; Oyarzabal.

Perhaps the only surprise in the starting XI is the selection of Nelson Semedo, who will start at right-back, with Sergi Roberto moving into the midfield. Sergio Busquets is the man to miss out.

Ousmane Dembele continues alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Roberto, Rakitic, Coutinho; Messi, Dembele, Suarez.

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Betting & Match Odds

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Barcelona are firm favourites to emerge victorious, with bet365 pricing them at 2/5 to take all three points. Real Sociedad are considered to be 6/1 shots, with a draw available at 17/4.

Click here to see all of bet 365's offers for the game, including goalscoring markets, correct score predictions and more.

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Match Preview

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Getty Images

It has all been relatively smooth sailing so far for Barcelona as they look to defend the Liga title which was wrested back from Real Madrid in 2017-18.

The Catalans have won all three of their opening fixtures, scoring 12 goals in the process and conceding just two, both of which came in that thrilling match against Huesca. 

That perfect record, however, is a little misleading. 

Barca have taken time to reach top gear this season, and right in the opening game struggled for over an hour to break down determined Alaves before eventually running out 3-0 winners. Against Valladolid, Dembele's strike was all that separated the two teams, while the hosts saw a late equaliser ruled out due to VAR. 

Even Huesca gave Barca a brief scare upon going ahead at Camp Nou before normality was restored thanks to a masterclass from Lionel Messi, who discovered his best form having struggled to impose himself in the opening two clashes. 

Messi's talents will clearly be vital to the Catalans' title chances, and he already shares the top scorer accolade with Madrid's Karim Benzema, the pair both sitting on four goals a piece. 

Anoeta is one of the few grounds which has managed to keep him quiet in recent seasons, though. Barca's win in San Sebastian last season was the first time since 2007 they had prevailed there, and it is most definitely an unhappy destination for the club. 

For that reason, and even though Barca start as favourites to triumph on Saturday, a tough challenge should be expected from the Basques.