The next team to host Barcelona will be Osasuna. That makes 3 away games out of the 4 matchdays before the international break. Xavi's men have done fairly well so far, garnering 7 points out of 9. Their last clash was a topsy turvy one, some really good attacking play followed by a comical yet familiar defensive collapse, then good attacking play again with more defensive assurance. It ended with a 3-4 scoreline, and Barcelona will want to improve on that as they visit Pamplona.
Osasuna are coming into this game on the back of a European defeat to Club Brugge, 4-3 on aggregate after securing a 2-2 draw in Belgium. They won their opening game 2-0 against Celta, but lost to both Athletic Club and Club Brugge at El Sadar. A last minute win against Valencia in Mestalla makes it 6 out of 9 points for them and they will want to take at least a point against the reigning champions.
INTERESTING STATS
- Barcelona have won 26 out of the last 42 matches against Osasuna who have just 6 wins.
- Osasuna are winless in their last 7 home games against Barcelona in the league.
- Barcelona have won each of their last 3 matches against the home team.
- The home team have not played a draw in their last 14 league matches. This is their longest such run in the league since 1984.
- Barcelona have won only 2 out of their last 7 away games in La Liga.
Last five meetings (all La Liga)
02/05/23 Barça 1-0 Osasuna
08/11/22 Osasuna 1-2 Barça
13/03/22 Barça 4-0 Osasuna
12/12/21 Osasuna 2-2 Barça
06/03/21 Osasuna 0-2 Barça
TEAM NEWS
Osasuna
Darko Brasanac is the only major absentee for Arrasate due to a knee injury. Chimy Avila served his suspension against Valencia and will be available to feature in this game, as will Jesus Areso.
Sergio Herrera will be in goal. In defence, Jesus Areso and Juan Cruz will be the full-backs. David Garcia will pair up with Alejandro Catena in the centre.
Iker Muñoz and Pablo Ibanez will form the double pivot in the centre of the park. Kike Barja, José Manuel Arnáiz and Aimar Oroz will line up behind Ruben Garcia.
Barcelona
Deadline day saw the exit of Ansu Fati on loan to Brighton and Ez Abde on sale to Real Betis. It also brought a couple of new faces to the squad. João Cancelo and João Felix have been signed on loan deals till the end of the season and are already in the squad. Iñigo Martinez and Iñaki Pena got registered and will be available as well. Suddenly, the absence of Pedri and Ronald Araujo doesn't seem so significant anymore.
TerStegen will continue between the sticks. It'll be interesting to see if João Cancelo walks straight into the starting XI at RB. Otherwise, Sergi Roberto may once again feature, a chance to redeem himself after the fiasco at Villarreal, because Koundé and Christensen will be at the center and Balde at LB.
Oriol Romeu, Frenkie DeJong, İlkay Gündoğan are sure to start in Midfield. Raphinha has returned from suspension, but does this mean Lamine Yamal drops to the bench, even after all those performances? Well, that's a dilemma Xavi will have to solve, or maybe they both start, with Lamine on the left.
If only one of them starts, then the LW will be filled by Gavi or the new signing João Felix. Robert Lewandowski will want to make a statement in this game after what transpired last season on this ground. Ferran Torres will be available to make an impact off the bench.
When does Osasuna vs Barcelona kick off?
Location: Pamplona, Spain
Stadium: Estadio El Sadar
Date: Sunday 3 September
Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
Referee: Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias
Osasuna are known for their resilient defending and lethal attitude in transition. They have given Barcelona a few headaches in the past and are sure to test the Catalans once more. Barcelona have an excellent record against them, however and will look to keep that up.
How do you think we should line up? Let us know in the comments.
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