Barcelona and Osasuna meet this Saturday at Camp Nou in another chapter of a La Liga season where the league leaders look set to keep moving without major bumps along the way. Barcelona’s in a great moment, playing sharp soccer with a strong squad, and shouldn’t have much trouble getting past an Osasuna side that, despite a couple of recent wins, remains inconsistent. Hansi Flick’s team steps onto the field as the clear favorite, and as long as they stay locked in, they shouldn’t be surprised by a technically inferior opponent.
Barcelona in strong rhythm even with absences
The mood in Catalonia is calm and confident. With 40 points and a four point lead over Real Madrid, who only play on Sunday, Barça has the chance to strengthen its position and put pressure on the rival. The moment is so good that even the absences don’t really affect the sense of control around the team.
Gerard Martín is still recovering from a virus but is expected to play, while Dani Olmo continues treatment for a shoulder injury and Ronald Araújo is out for personal reasons. Even so, Flick hasn’t changed his tone. The core of the team remains solid, and the likely lineup is almost the same as the one that beat Eintracht Frankfurt.
Joan Garcia should stay in goal, with Koundé, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martín and Balde forming the back line. The midfield, which has been crucial in Barça’s possession game, should feature Eric Garcia, Pedri and Fermín López. Up front, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski maintain the aggressive edge that’s defined the team lately.
Osasuna tries to resist the league leaders
On the other side, Osasuna arrives at Camp Nou trying to balance fear and hope. Alessio Lisci’s squad managed two recent wins, against Levante and Ebro, but that doesn’t hide the reality of an uneven team sitting in 15th place and still glancing nervously at the relegation zone. To make things tougher, there are key doubts. Aitor Fernández may miss the match due to a virus, and Lucas Torro, who left the last game injured, still isn’t guaranteed. Iker Benito is out with an ACL injury.
The likely lineup should include Herrera in goal, with Boyomo, Catena and Arguibide in the defensive line, plus a crowded midfield in an attempt to slow Barcelona down. Up top, Budimir carries the responsibility of trying to trouble the Catalan defense.