Barcelona are closer than they ever were this season in winning the title and although Real Madrid are having a game in hand, their Champions League commitments will allow them enough chances to falter. Barcelona, on the other hand, could do the double with a bit of luck. They welcome Osasuna next, who have really struggled this season and it looks like a routine win for Enrique’s side.
Team News
Barcelona- Barcelona have had a hectic two games back to back, against Juventus and Real Madrid. Manager Luis Enrique had almost the same team in the two fixture that took place in a span of seven days and we expect the outgoing manager to shuffle his squad this time. Fatigue will definitely play a huge role going into this game and Barca will have to rely mainly on their bench players.
First team players will need to be rested and at the same time, Enrique has it in mind that the Catalans have a real chance of getting the title if they manage wins in all the remaining games. Crucial players like Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique have a high chance of sitting this game out. Neymar still remains unavailable for the game, which means Paco Alcacer is likely to take his place. The combative Arda Turan might get a chance this time in the midfield. Among long-term injuries remain Aleix Vidal and Rafinha, who are out for the season.
Osasuna- Osasuna have one of the longest injury lists in La Liga and there is a chance that up to ten players miss the trip to Nou Camp. And given their catastrophic record on that ground, hardly any positive result is expected.
Among the long-term injuries feature Didier Digard, Miguel Flano and Tano Bonnin, who are almost out for the season and should return when the team gets demoted to the second division next season. Javier Flano and Alejandro Berenguer Remiro are back in training, and if not in this crucial fixture, they are likely to feature in the last few games.
Predicted Line-up
Barcelona- Ter Stegen; Roberto, Mascherano, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Gomes; Messi; Suárez, Alcácer
Osasuna- Sirigu; Buñuel, Oier, Márquez, Fuentes, Clerc; Fausto, Torres, Causic; León, Kodro
Key Players
Barcelona- Of course, Lionel Messi will be Barca’s key player because he is Messi. Luis Suarez is unlikely to be tested by Osasuna’s defence and the Uruguayan should expect to exploit them at will. Suarez has scored 24 goals so far and will hope to add to his tally.
Osasuna- Osasuna’s biggest problem this season has been that their injury-plagued side lack fighters and they can only rely on top scorer Sergio León to give them something to cheer for.
Betting Odds
Barcelona @ 1.025
Draw @ 17.00
Osasuna @ 34.00
