A Lionel Messi wonder goal lifted Barcelona to the top of the La Liga table leapfrogging Real Madrid. The Catalans will now host Osasuna in the next match to maintain their lead at the top although their archrivals Los Blancos is yet to play their postponed match against Celta Vigo.
Messi struck in the dying seconds of the injury time to give the Catalans something to rejoice at last. The Catalans were having a rough period as they had to concede defeats at the hand of Malaga in the La Liga. They also failed to make it to the Uefa Champions League Semifinals for the second year in a row after failing to score a single goal across the two legs against Juventus.
Predicted 4-3-3 Barcelona Lineup Against Osasuna
Defence
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen had a tiring evening at the Santiago Bernabeu and he will again be in the starting lineup against Osasuna.
Samuel Umtiti has been a regular in the Catalans defensive setups and will continue in the next match.
Luis Enrique hopes to field his strongest lineup and Gerard Pique is a definite starter in his team.
It was Sergi Roberto who almost set up Messi’s goal after he made a surging run from all the way from Barcelona’s half to the Real Madrid attacking third. Roberto has heavily improved as a right back and will hold his place.
Jordi Alba assisted the winner in the El Clasico and has a very good chance to start again.
Midfield
Luis Enrique plans to stick with his regular midfield trio. If Barcelona are to keep the pressure on Madrid they need to be very focused. Osasuna could be very hot to handle and for that, the midfield needs to be in perfect shape.
Sergio Busquets will take his regular place in front of the back four. The veteran midfielder has not been in his best form but still remains one of the best of this game.
Andres Iniesta needs to create pressure from the midfield to keep the midfield engine running smoothly.
Ivan Rakitic had a great last game and will try to emulate his form.
Attack
Neymar is not eligible for this game as he is serving a three-match suspension which ends after this match. Paco Alcacer will start again in his place.
There is only one player in this team who is irreplaceable and that is none other than Lionel Messi.
Luis Suarez will be the lone frontman.
