By Graham Ruthven
Frontrunners
The pendulum in the Spanish title race has swung back and forth over the course of the season, but Barcelona find themselves back on top of LaLiga.
Hansi Flick’s team are on an unbeaten run of 16 games in all competitions and enter Saturday’s match against Osasuna on the back of a comprehensive 4-0 win over Real Sociedad last weekend followed by a 1-0 away win against Benfica in the Champions League.
With Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid not playing until Sunday, Barca have the opportunity to open up a four-point gap at the top of the standings. This is a chance for them to assert their position as title frontrunners.
Osasuna, meanwhile, need points to push into the top half of the table. Vicente Moreno’s team have won just one of their last 14 league fixtures. A shock win over Barcelona would change the mood around the club.
Key players
Barca’s attack is the most dangerous, and prolific, in LaLiga. No team has scored more goals than the Catalans this season with Robert Lewandowski their best finisher having netted 21 league goals.
Raphinha is also enjoying the season of his life having contributed 20 goal involvements in LaLiga. The Brazilian is fresh from scoring the winner against Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Lamine Yamal is Barcelona’s creator-in-chief and will be the brightest spark in the attacking third for Barca at home to Osasuna this weekend. In central midfield, Pedri is also performing at the peak of his powers.
Only Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappé have scored more goals in La Liga this season than Ante Budimir who has found the back of the net 14 times for Osasuna. If the visitors can get him in behind Barca’s high line, he will pose a threat.
Bryan Zaragoza has struggled for his best form this season, but the on-loan Bayern Munich winger is capable of producing something out of nothing. Barca must be wary of the threat he poses.
Team news
Flick could rotate his squad with next week’s Champions League last 16 second leg against Benfica in mind. However, Barcelona have been made to pay for over-rotating once or twice earlier in the season.
Pau Cubarsí was sent off against Benfica mid-week, but his suspension only applies to the Champions League and so will be available to face Osasuna. He is expected to start in central defence.
Andreas Christensen is fit again, but it might be too soon for the Dane to make the lineup. Gavi could also be available again, although Marc-André Ter Stegen and Marc Bernal will miss out.
Aimar Oroz is a doubt for Osasuna after picking up an injury in last weekend’s 3-3 draw against Valencia while Juan Cruz could come into the lineup to replace Abel Bretones.
Prediction
Barcelona should continue their good form and get the points they want to stay in front in LaLiga: Barcelona 3-1 Osasuna
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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