Gavi should replace Pedri while defender Ronald Araujo is likely to be rested when Barcelona take on CA Osasuna in La Liga on Sunday night.
Barcelona will be aiming to return to winning ways and move into third place in the La Liga standings when they lock horns with Osasuna at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Manager Xavi Hernandez has no fresh injury concerns, with Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto and Samuel Umtiti, the only players out on the treatment tables. However, Nico Gonzalez will miss out for the Blaugrana due to suspension. But there is a double boost as Gavi is back in contention after being suspended for the midweek clash while Dani Alves is also available for selection.
Barcelona vs Osasuna Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
There are likely to be a few changes made to the side that started in the midweek encounter against Galatasaray. Alves should return to the starting XI right away, replacing Sergino Dest at right-back while there is no looking past Jordi Alba on the left. Gerard Pique, who came on as a substitute in the second half in the European encounter, should start at the heart of the defence.
Ronald Araujo, who is on four yellow cards currently, could be rested by Xavi with the all-important El Clasico coming up next weekend. When quizzed about the possibility of leaving the Uruguayan out, the manager said (h/t Barca Blaugranes):,“We’ll see. I usually base my central defenders on their profiles but also the opponents that we face.”
The 23-year-old is likely to be given a breather by the manager, with Eric Garcia set to partner Pique in defence against Osasuna. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, meanwhile, is a certain starter between the sticks for the Catalan heavyweights.
Moving into the middle of the park, captain Sergio Busquets, who did not start against Galatasaray, should be reintroduced into the lineup this weekend. The veteran star will occupy the deeper position in the centre, while Frenkie de Jong will move to his natural interior midfield role against Osasuna.
Pedri, though, could be rested by the manager keeping in mind the two crucial encounters coming up next week. The Spaniard should make way for fellow teenager Gavi.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should also return to the lineup, slotting in as Barcelona’s centre-forward against Osasuna. He will have creative support from the flanks from Adama Traore and Ferran Torres, with Memphis Depay and Ousmane Dembele options from the bench.
Barcelona Predicted XI: ter Stegen, Alves, Pique, Garcia, Alba, Frenkie de Jong, Busquets, Gavi, Adama, Aubameyang, Torres
