After having secured their place in the Copa del Rey Final last night, Barcelona will be making the trip to the El Sadar Stadium on Saturday evening to square off against a 12th placed Osasuna side. The Catalans are placed second in the points table and it is absolutely crucial for Koeman’s side to return to Catalonia with all three points in the bag.
The Catalans have been troubled with injuries since the turn of the year, but more bad news in the form of Gerard Pique’s injury arrived against Sevilla last night. Ronald Koeman will also be without the services of Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araujo, Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho, Ansu Fati and Miralem Pjanic.
Barcelona are bound to play Paris Saint-Germain in midweek and might consider resting some of their players for that crunch fixture. Lionel Messi, Frenkie de Jong and Clement Lenglet will be walking a thin line in Pamplona with the trio amassing four yellow cards for the season. Here’s how Barcelona could take to the field on Saturday evening –
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up Against Osasuna
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up Against Osasuna
Defence
Marc Andre Ter Stegen will be starting out in Barcelona’s goal. The German goalie has been in splendid form in recent matches and he will be keen to add to his clean-sheet tally for the season on Saturday. Sergino Dest will be starting at the right-back slot despite an average evening against Sevilla in the King’s Cup. The absence of Gerard Pique will be felt in the heart of Barcelona’s defence especially with the fact that the man replacing him will be the error-prone Samuel Umtiti. Jordi Alba will be starting at the left-back position after a stellar display against Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Midfield
Riqui Puig is expected to get a rare start in the league against Osasuna with the hectic fixture list Barcelona are dealing with. Sergio Busquets will be a part of the proceedings from the first whistle against Osasuna. It is almost impossible to imagine a Barcelona team of recent years without this loyal servant of the blue and garnet of Barcelona. Frenkie de Jong could be given some much-needed rest with Puig deputising for him. Pedri will retain his place in the starting eleven. The Spaniard has been one of the best performers for Ronald Koeman this season. Moriba will be making up the numbers on the bench for the Catalans.
Attack
Lionel Messi will be starting on the right-hand side of the attacking three. The Argentine tends to move and float around the pitch and it will be interesting to see him trouble the Osasuna defence. Martin Braithwaite will make his way into the starting eleven after being an impact substitute against Sevilla, scoring the vital third goal of the night. Antoine Griezmann, as well, is expected to pave his way back into the team after having a pleasant evening last time around. Fransisco Trincao could feature later in the game off the substitutes bench.
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up Against Osasuna
