David Moyes faces an acid test of his managerial credentials this evening when Real Sociedad take on Luis Suarez’s Barcelona in a mouth-watering La Liga clash.
Scotsman David Moyes has encountered an inconsistent start to life in Spain since taking over the Basque outfit Real Sociedad in November.
He’s unbeaten at home, but has witnessed only one victory over strugglers Elche from his five league matches at the helm, having also surrendered leads in eventual draws with local rivals Athletic Bilbao and Levante.
A 4-0 hammering away to Villarreal highlighted worrying defensive frailties, which must be corrected alongside a severe lack of goals at the other end; Real Sociedad aren’t scoring anywhere near enough, managing 17 in 16 games.
Furthermore, a meagre return of three wins leaves them perched perilously just two points above the drop zone.
Ex-Arsenal star Carlos Vela is a slight doubt ahead of the contest, with the six-goal striker vital to the Basques’ hopes of victory.
Luis Suarez has so far failed to hit the goal-trail since his sensational move from Liverpool, notching once in eight La Liga outings, but caused nightmares for former Everton boss David Moyes during the pair’s time on Merseyside.
Barcelona have been unbeaten for six top-flight games since a double loss to Real Madrid and Celta Vigo to close within one point of league-leading arch-rivals Real Madrid. Five of those have been wins, including one-sided thrashings of Sevilla, Espanyol and Cordoba when plundering five goals on each occasion.
Right wing-back Dani Alves is ready to return after a calf strain, thus handing head coach Luis Enrique an almost fully-fit squad to choose from; only Thomas Vermaelen misses out.
Real Sociedad can take some comfort from their recent home record against the Blaugrana, whose last triumph at the Anoeta arrived in May 2007. Meanwhile, the hosts defeated Barcelona 3-1 when they last met there in February 2014.
The fans will be out in force at the Anoeta for such an enticing fixture, with Moyes hoping they’ll produce the kind of cacophonous atmosphere they’ve been renowned for in the past.
However, it’ll take a effort of Herculean proportions to ward off the rampant Barcelona attack and repeat such a result.
Team news
Real Sociedad: Rulli, C.Martinez, Bergara, Inigo, Granero, Xabi Prieto, Vela, Ansotegi, Canales, Chory Castro, De La Bella
Barcelona: 13. Bravo, 2. Montoya,14. Mascherano, 24. Mathieu, 18. Jordi Alba, 7. Pedro, 6. Xavi, 8. Iniesta, 5. Sergio Busquets, 9. Suarez, 31. Munir
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