Barcelona will be eyeing their seventh straight win in the league when they host an inconsistent Osasuna outfit.
Osasuna are heading into this away fixture at the Spotify Camp Nou on the back of a hard-fought win, and they will be looking to put up a strong fight against Barcelona away from home.
The home team have established a four-point lead at the top of the table, and they will look to build on it when they host Osasuna. The Blaugrana have won each of their last six outings, and they have been on a four-match winning streak since losing to Chelsea in the Champions League.
In their last outing, Barcelona secured a 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League, and given their recent form, they will be confident about securing another three points here. Meanwhile, the visitors are 15th on the table with 15 points in many outings, with four wins, three draws and eight defeats. They have only won one out of their last seven league outings.
However, Osasuna are heading into this fixture on the back of a 2-0 win over Levante. Despite not dominating the proceedings, they were clinical in the final third and got the desired result. They will be confident, but going up against Barcelona is a completely different challenge. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Barcelona
Barcelona remain without the services of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, and Dani Olmo. Meanwhile, Ronaldo Araujo is on a personal break. Hansi Flick could recall Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres to his starting XI for this fixture.
His team will continue to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Joan Garcia will continue in goal. Jules Kounde, who bagged a brace in their last outings, will continue at right-back, while Alejandro Balde will take charge on the left flank. In the heart of the defence, Pau Cubarsi will partner with Gerard Martin.
As for the midfield unit, Pedri will partner with Eric Garcia in the centre of the park. Barcelona’s central midfield duo will shield the backline, and they look to control the tempo of the game against Osasuna.
Lamine Yamal will continue on the right, with Rashford taking charge on the left flank. Raphinha could take up the no. 10 role, with Torres taking charge up top for Barcelona against Osasuna this weekend.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Pedri, Eric Garcia; Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford; Ferran Torres
Osasuna
Osasuna remain without the services of Iker Benito. But apart from him, everyone else is expected to be fit and available for this fixture.
The visitors will also line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Sergio Herrera will take charge in between the sticks. Inigo Arguibide and Abel Bretones should be the full-backs, while Alejandro Catena should partner with Enzo Boyomo in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Jon Moncayola and Lucas Torro will form the double pivot in the middle of the pitch. They will shield the Osasuna backline and look to ensure the Barcelona midfielders do not run the show.
Victor Munoz and Ruben Garcia are expected to feature out wide on the flanks. Aimar Oroz should take up the number ten role, while Ante Budimir will feature as the number nine for Osasuna against Barcelona this weekend.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Herrera; Arguibide, Boyomo, Catena, Bretones; Moncayola, Torro; Munoz, Oroz, Ruben Garcia; Budimir
Key Stats
- Osasuna are unbeaten in their last three outings across all competitions.
- Barcelona have won each of their last six league outings.
- The visitors have only won one out of their last seven league games.
- Osasuna have 21 wins in their last 99 outings against the Catalan giants.
- Barcelona have won seven out of their last eight games against Osasuna.
Player to Watch
Marcus Rashford
Rashford joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United with hopes of reviving his career, and he has certainly done that. In his 21 outings across competitions, the English international has six goals and 11 assists. While the Catalan giants added him to their ranks for more depth, he has managed to establish himself as a key figure in the team.
Hansi Flick has been forced to find the Englishman a place in his team, given the kind of form he has been in. The 28-year-old is expected to return to the starting XI for the game against Osasuna, and it won’t be much of a surprise if he ends up having a big say on the end result here.
Prediction
Barcelona 3-0 Osasuna
Barcelona will look to extend their impressive winning streak when they welcome an inconsistent Osasuna side to Camp Nou. Hansi Flick’s men have been in ruthless domestic form, winning six league games on the bounce and tightening their grip at the top of the table.
Osasuna arrive with a bit of momentum after their win over Levante, but facing Barcelona away is a far greater challenge. The visitors have struggled for consistency all season, and they have managed just one win in their last seven league outings.
While Osasuna might look to stay compact and hit on the break, Barcelona’s superior quality and rhythm should prove too much. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-0 win for Hansi Flick and his charges.
