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FC Barcelona always start the New Year off in style; a simple glance at the record books will show that to be true. Four consecutive wins in the opening matches of the past four years, the past three of which have been emphatic 4-0 victories for the Blaugrana; we like returning from the winter break that little bit more than most other sides in La Liga and that's just what we need to do tonight as well. Travelling to San Sebastian to take on Real Sociedad at the Anoeta is traditionally one of our least favourite fixtures on the La Liga calendar; rest assured that in spite of their relatively indifferent league form, Barça will need to be at their best to claim all three points.
Following the reigning champions strong start to 2015, as Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid mustered a 3-1 home win over Levante UD at the Vicente Calderon, FC Barcelona currently share second spot with Atleti, while the league leaders Real Madrid may have extended their lead at the top to four points by kick-off in the Basque Country, provided they negotiate tricky away trip of their own to Mestalla to face Valencia CF. Under pressure, FC Barcelona cannot afford another slip-up so early into this La Liga title race.
The fixture list might have been a little tougher than hoped, but in every "crisis", there is an opportunity. Yes, facing Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid in back-to-back La Liga matches might not be ideal, particularly as they are sandwiched by a myriad of Copa del Rey ties; however, two successive wins would serve as a statement by Luis Enrique and his side. Easier said than done, but Barcelona have a chance to register their first win of 2015 tonight against Real Sociedad; can they deliver?
Predict the score of tonight's La Liga clash by commenting with your prediction below. Best of luck!
