Barcelona will look to continue their impressive run of form when they host Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday.
The Catalan giants are coming off a thrilling 1-0 victory against Benfica in the Champions League round of 16 1st leg. Despite having the odds stacked against them following Pau Cubarsi’s early red card, the Blaugrana eked out a win, thanks to Raphinha’s strike and Wojciech’s Szczesny’s world-class goalkeeping.
The victory extended their unbeaten run across all competitions since the turn of the year, while they have also gained back a foothold in the La Liga title race. They have won six league games on the spin, including the 4-0 routing of Real Sociedad in their last fixture. This purple patch, combined with Real Madrid’s slump in form, has led Barcelona to take a two-point lead at the top of the table, with Atletico Madrid trailing behind them.
Hansi Flick will be determined to keep up the momentum and get the better of Osasuna, who could try to end the home side’s relentless run.
Osasuna have grown into one of the dark horses in La Liga over the last couple of seasons, punching above their weight to compete for European places. Although they enjoyed a good first half this season, results have been stagnant in the last few games. Despite their impressive draw against Real Madrid – which played into Barcelona’s advantage, Osasuna have been winless in their last four games. The 11th-placed Vicente Moreno’s side will be looking to bounce back but face a tough challenge against the league leaders.
Team News
While Gavi missed the win against Benfica through illness, he looks poised to return to the squad against Osasuna. Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Marc Andre ter Stegen are out injured.
Predicted Barcelona line-up vs Osasuna
Goalkeeper
Wojciech Szczesny hogged the limelight with a monumental performance between the sticks against Benfica, which has solidified his status as the untouchable in the squad while ending the hopes of his understudy Inaki Pena.
Defence
Although Ronald Araujo was brought in to shore up the defence against Benfica in the 1st leg following Cubarsi’s dismissal, the Uruguayan could be kept intact for Saturday’s fixture in order to be fresh for the second leg next week. In that event, Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez will be the centre-back pairing. Gerard Martin might also get a look-in at the left-back spot after scoring against Real Sociedad if Flick decides to rest Alejandro Balde. Meanwhile, Jules Kounde will continue as the right-back.
Midfield
The game against Osasuna could be perfect to rest Pedri, who has been tirelessly anchoring the midfield. Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Dani Olmo could complete the midfield line-up.
Attack
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are expected to dominate the wings, while Robert Lewandowski could be rested, with Ferran Torres taking up his place as the focal point of the attack.
