FC Barcelona will look to capitalise on their winning form as they visit El Sadar Stadium to face CA Osasuna on Saturday. The Spanish champions are coming on the back of an emphatic 5-2 win over Real Betis in their last game. A victory against the newly promoted Osasuna is imperative if they are to recover from a shocking opening day defeat to Athletic Bilbao.
Here is how Ernesto Valverde’s men may line up against Osasuna this weekend.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Marc Andre ter Stegen is the undisputed number one choice in between the sticks for Barcelona. He will retain his place in goal. Besides, second choice keeper Neto is out injured, and his return date is apparently unknown.
Nelson Semedo performed well against Betis and should continue to start ahead of Sergi Roberto at right-back. His pace and work-ethic could be vital against a sharp Osasuna attack. Jordi Alba, meanwhile, may have to settle for a place on the bench, given Osasuna’s newly promoted status. New signing Junior Firpo will replace the Spaniard at left-back.
Valverde could rest Gerard Pique and give Samuel Umtiti his first start of the season. The former Olympique Lyonnais defender will be partnered by his compatriot Clement Lenglet, though another Frenchman in Jean-Claire Todibo is also an option.
Midfield
Much like Pique, it won’t be surprising to see Sergio Busquets also getting a breather this weekend. The experienced midfielder will be replaced by Arturo Vidal, who will operate as the holding midfielder.
The Chilean international will be supported by the advanced midfield duo of Frenkie de Jong and Arthur Melo. The latter is yet to make a single league appearance this season and should come into the starting lineup, at the expense of Roberto. De Jong, meanwhile, will retain his role in the starting eleven.
Attack
Lionel Messi was due to return to action against Osasuna this weekend after a spell on the sidelines with a calf injury. But, new reports claim that the Argentine has aggravated his injury and thus, it won’t be surprising to see him miss out. Luis Suarez is also out along with Ousmane Dembele.
This will pave the way for Carles Perez to retain his role at right-wing. The young winger scored on his starting debut for Barcelona against Betis, and it will be interesting to see how he performs this weekend. Rafinha will be deployed on the opposite flank, with Antoine Griezmann leading the attack.
However, we could expect youngster Ansu Fati to be brought in much earlier than the last game. With Messi, Suarez and Dembele all absent, it will be an exciting opportunity for the 16-year-old to make an impression.
