Osasuna will host Barcelona at El Sadar on Saturday evening for a crucial La Liga fixture. Barcelona, with a win, will be just one step away from securing the league title. Meanwhile, Osasuna is strongly pursuing a European football spot, currently trailing Getafe in sixth place by only two points after a dramatic victory last week. They are in ninth position in La Liga, with an eight-point cushion over Sevilla, which should ensure their safety from relegation.
Osasuna faces a setback with their key winger, Victor Munoz, sidelined due to injury. Barcelona, however, has seen the return of Raphinha and Marc Bernal from their respective injuries. Yet, their own star winger, Lamine Yamal, remains unavailable. Additionally, defenders Andreas Christensen (injury) and Jules Kounde (suspension) will both miss the match.
Forward Lineup Debate for Barcelona
For Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, the main tactical decision appears to be in the attacking department. Reports from Mundo Deportivo suggest Robert Lewandowski will lead the line, while Sport anticipates Ferran Torres to be the preferred choice. Both publications agree that Roony Bardghji is likely to make his second consecutive start, filling in for the absent Lamine Yamal. Eric Garcia is expected to cover for the suspended Jules Kounde in defense.
Beyond these selections, Flick is not anticipated to make significant changes to the lineup that defeated Getafe 2-0 last weekend. Key players Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri, and Dani Olmo are all expected to start.
Osasuna’s Midfield and Attack
On the Osasuna side, Raul Moro is the probable candidate to replace Victor Munoz on the left wing. Manager Alessio Lisci is expected to maintain a stable lineup for this encounter. Ante Budimir is set to spearhead the attack, supported by Ruben Garcia and Aimar Oroz.
In midfield, Iker Munoz is likely to be favored over the more physically imposing Lucas Torro, partnering with Jon Moncayola. Osasuna’s recent form has been inconsistent, with only two wins in their last eight games, although they have suffered just one defeat in their last five matches. Barcelona, in contrast, is currently on an impressive nine-game winning streak in La Liga.
English Translation:
Predicted Teams Osasuna-Barcelona: Roony Bardghji Set for Second Consecutive Start
Osasuna will host Barcelona at El Sadar on Saturday night at 21:00 CEST, with the Catalan side knowing that a win moves them within a single result of the title. Los Rojillo are in hot pursuit of European football, though, and are just two points back from Getafe in 6th after their win at the death against Sevilla last week.
They currently sit 9th in La Liga, with an eight-point gap to Sevilla that should see them safe from relegation. For the home side, the headline injury news is that star winger Victor Munoz is out through injury. Barcelona have welcomed Raphinha and Marc Bernal back from injury, but their own star winger Lamine Yamal also remains out. Defenders Andreas Christensen, through injury, and Jules Kounde, through suspension, will both miss the match too.
Lewandowski or Ferran Torres for Barcelona?
For Hansi Flick, the debate seems to be up front. MD predict it will be Robert Lewandowski at number nine, while Sport believe it will be Ferran Torres. Both agree that Roony Bardghji is set for a second straight start in place of Lamine Yamal. Eric Garcia is expected to fill the gap vacated by Kounde.
Otherwise, Flick is not expected to change the side that beat Getafe 2-0 last weekend at the Coliseum, with all of Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri and Dani Olmo starting.
How to replace Victor Munoz for Osasuna?
The likelihood is that Raul Moro deputises for Munoz on the left for Osasuna, but Alessio Lisci is also set to keep a settled line-up for the clash. Ante Budimir will lead the line, with Ruben Garcia and Aimar Oroz providing the service from behind him.
In midfield, it seems Iker Munoz will be preferred over the more physical Lucas Torro next to Jon Moncayola. Los Rojillo are in mixed form, with just two wins in their last eight games, but have only lost once in five. Barcelona are currently on a nine-game winning run in La Liga.
