Barcelona look for a seventh consecutive win to maintain their solid advantage at the top of the La Liga table when they welcome Osasuna to Camp Nou.
The Blaugrana picked up three important points in the Champions League despite a subpar performance against Frankfurt in midweek, and they’ll turn their attentions back to domestic matters against a struggling Osasuna side that is still capable of causing Barça problems.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Saturday’s battle:
Defense
Barça’s next game is a Copa del Rey match against a third tier side, so Flick can fully focus on starting a very strong team against Osasuna to make sure of the three points and maintain a healthy lead at the top of the standings.
Gerard Martín is currently a doubt for the game after missing Thursday’s training session through illness, but the Catalan Maldini is still expected to be fit to start this one. If he doesn’t then Eric Garcia will most likely partner Pau Cubarsí at center-back, with Alejandro Balde at left-back and Champions League hero Jules Kounde starting on the right.
Midfield
Frenkie de Jong had a very positive impact as a substitute in helping Barça control possession and run out the clock against Frankfurt, and we think the Dutchman will finally return to the starting XI and reunite the double pivot with Pedri. Fermín López hasn’t looked great since returning from injury, but we think the young midfielder will start again in the number 10 role for this one.
Attack
The front three of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski were not at their best against Frankfurt, but it remains the best attacking trio in the Barça squad and it allows Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres to play important roles as super subs. Rashford and Ferran will probably start in the Cup anyway, so we think they’ll be on the bench to begin this one.
Possible XI: Joan; Kounde, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín, Raphinha; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Osasuna? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
