Barcelona are aiming to maintain their push for the top four spot as they take on Osasuna on Sunday. The Catalans are coming on the back of a goalless draw with Galatasaray in midweek, but they have performed well in the league, having won five of their last six matches. It has put them in a commanding position to finish in the top four and secure Champions League football.
However, Osasuna are always a tricky opposition with their resolute defence. With just 31 goals conceded, the team from Pamplona have developed a reputation for their sturdiness at the back, though that defensive solidity could be put to the test up against the mighty Barca frontline this weekend.
Barcelona Vs Osasuna Preview
Talking Tactics
Barcelona
Xavi Hernandez is set to continue with a 4-3-3 formation that has given his side flexibility and speed going forward. In this setup, the three attackers play in a free-flowing formation whereas the left-back usually looks to camp himself in the opposition half. Sergio Busquets should hold the fort in midfield, as usual, with his two partnering midfielders serving as number tens.
Osasuna
Osasuna head coach Jagoba Arrasate, meanwhile, could opt for a 4-4-2 formation with two banks of four covering Sergio Herrera in between the sticks. It is quite a generic formula for a team that intends to defend deep as the narrow shape of the system restricts spaces for the opposition attackers.
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Team News
Barcelona
Barcelona are missing a few players due to injuries including Ansu Fati, Sergio Roberto and Samuel Umtiti. Nico, on the other hand, is facing a suspension, though that might not alter Xavi’s team selection heading into this affair.
Osasuna
Osasuna are dealing with a couple of absentees of their own including key frontman Chimy Avila, who has been suspended due to the accumulation of yellow cards. Jesus Areso remains sidelined as well, though it might not impact Arrasate’s overall setup.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona: ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Garcia, Alba; de Jong, Busquets, Gavi; Torres, Aubameyang, Depay
Osasuna: Herrera; Vidal, D Garcia, Cruz, M Sanchez; J Martinez, Torro, Moncayola, R Garcia; Kike, Budimir
Prediction
Barcelona 2-1 Osasuna
Streaming Sites
| Country | Broadcaster |
| United Kingdom | LaLiga TV |
| USA | ESPN+ |
| India | MTV India, Jio TV |
| Canada | TSN |
| Spain | Movistar Laliga |
| Italy | DAZN |
| Germany | DAZN |
| Australia | beIN SPORTS 2 |
