Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will look to ensure they retain the top spot in La Liga with a win over CA Osasuna on Saturday night.
Barcelona will look to record their sixth straight win in La Liga when they host 11th-placed CA Osasuna, who have been winless in their last four league outings, at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday night.
The Catalan giants are at the top of the table with 57 points in their 26 outings. While they did give up on a significant lead at the top towards the end of 2024, Hansi Flick’s men have bounced back in some fashion.
However, the Blaugrana only have a one-point lead over second-placed Atletico Madrid, and they cannot afford a slip-up. The home side are heading into this fixture on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 win over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League, and they should be confident of getting it done against Osasuna.
The visitors are 11th with 33 points in their 26 outings. While CA Osasuna are in the second half of the points table in La Liga, they have been very difficult to take down, having racked up 12 draws so far.
Osasuna have played out three draws in their last four league games; they would certainly want to return to winning ways, but going up against Barcelona won’t be easy. They will have to hope for a miracle to defeat the most in-form La Liga team. The Hard Tackle takes a close look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Barcelona
Having missed their last two games because of illness, Hansi Flick is hopeful Gavi will be available for this one. While Andreas Christensen is also back fit, it will be interesting to see if he is involved. Meanwhile, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal remain on the sidelines.
Flick will stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Wojciech Szczesny will continue in goal. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will be the full-backs, while Ronald Araujo will partner with Pau Cubarsi at the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Marc Casado should partner Pedri in the centre of the park. The double pivot will look to shield the backline and ensure they control the tempo of the game. Dani Olmo could start in the no. 10 role, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the flanks. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski will spearhead the Barcelona attack against CA Osasuna.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Barcelona vs Osasuna Predicted XI
CA Osasuna
After being subbed off in their last outing, Aimar Oroz is now a major doubt for this away fixture. If he is not fit in time for this one, Kike Barja will get the nod. Apart from him, Osasuna do not really have any other injury concerns ahead of the game against Barcelona.
The visitors will stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Sergio Herrera will be in goal. Jesus Areso and Juan Cruz should be the full-backs for Osasuna, while Flavien Enzo Boyomo and Alejandro Catena will feature in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Jon Moncayola and Lucas Torro will shield the backline, and they will also look to ensure the Barcelona midfielders do not end up dominating the proceedings.
In attack, Rubén Garcia and Bryan Zaragoza will feature on the flanks, providing much-needed width to their attacks. Kike Barja will take up the no. 10 role, while Ante Budimir will continue to lead the line for Osasuna against FC Barcelona.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Herrera; Areso, Boyomo, Catena, Cruz; Moncayola, Torro; Ruben Garcia, Barja, Zaragoza; Budimir
Barcelona vs Osasuna Predicted XI
Key Stats
Barcelona have won 58 of their last 98 encounters against CA Osasuna, who have 21 wins to their name.
The two teams last met back in September when CA Osasuna stunned Barcelona to record a 4-2 home win.
Osasuna have netted just seven goals on the road in the league, the joint-lowest tally in the competition.
Barcelona have kept clean sheets in their last four home games against the Pamplona-based club.
The Blaugrana have conceded a first-half goal in only one of their last 11 La Liga home fixtures.
Player to Watch
Dani Olmo
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While Olmo did have an impressive start to life in Barcelona, things have not been that great for him of late. He has been more of a rotation option under Flick. The Spaniard has been involved in 25 matches, and he has racked up less than 1,300 minutes of first-team action. However, the 26-year-old still has 12 goal contributions, and he will be eager to add to his tally if he gets the opportunity to star here.
Prediction
Barcelona 2-0 CA Osasuna
Barcelona were stunned by Osasuna away from home, but that is unlikely to be the case this time around. The Pamplona-based club do not have the best away record, and they are going up against a team that is in red-hot form. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Hansi Flick and his charges.