Barcelona will be aiming to bounce back from their midweek Champions League disappointment when they travel to El Sadar Stadium on Sunday to face Osasuna in the La Liga.
The Blaugrana were dumped out of the Champions League following a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in Germany, with Portuguese outfit Benfica beating Xavi Hernandez’s side to the second spot in Group E.
Xavi Hernandez will expect a strong response from his boys at Osasuna, who are on a seven-game winless run.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona were dealt with a double injury blow when Memphis Depay and Jordi Alba picked up hamstring injuries against Bayern Munich. Both have been ruled out of Sunday’s game, while Sergi Roberto successfully underwent a thigh operation on Thursday.
Pedri has suffered a setback in his recovery from a muscular problem and could be out for the remainder of the year. Ansu Fati missed out against Bayern and faces a big battle to prove his fitness for the weekend fixture.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Osasuna (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s form has dipped massively in the past couple of years, with things from bad to worse this season. He was underwhelming against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, failing to stop a tame long-range effort from Leroy Sane in the first half. Yet, the German is likely to continue between the sticks for Barcelona.
Defence
Barcelona’s defence has been all over the place this season, with some of the senior heads not living up to their usual standards. Gerard Pique is one of them and he will have to take the responsibility of leading the team from the back against Osasuna. The Spaniard could be partnered with Clement Lenglet at central defence.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Osasuna
An injury to Jordi Alba could see teenager Alex Balde get the nod at left-back. Ronald Araujo is likely to retain his spot at right-back in the Barcelona lineup for Sunday’s game.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets will continue anchoring the Barcelona midfield. The experienced Spaniard will have to take control of the game at the earliest along with Frenkie de Jong if the Blaugrana are to enjoy a positive result at Osasuna. Gavi, one of the rare shining lights this term, will once again look to add creativity and energy from the midfield.
Attack
With Memphis Depay injured and Luuk de Jong out-of-favour under the new boss, Ousmane Dembele could lead the Blaugrana attack on Sunday.
Philippe Coutinho has the qualities to unlock rigid defences but he needs a run of games to get back his lost mojo. The Brazilian could start on the left wing in the Barcelona lineup, with young Sergino Dest offering width and pace down the other flank for Xavi’s side.