Barcelona can take another huge step towards clinching the La Liga title on Saturday. But there’s a problem. They have to go to El Sadar.
Osasuna away is never fun. Never easy. Hansi Flick knows it. His players know it.
Here’s how we think the German will line up his troops for the battle in Pamplona.
DEFENCE ONE CHANGE, AND IT’S FORCED
Barça have had a full week to prepare. That’s a luxury these days. Flick seems to have found his favourite team, so don’t expect many changes from the side that beat Getafe last week.
But there is one enforced alteration. Jules Kounde is suspended. Yellow card accumulation. He won’t even travel.
Ronald Araujo has consistently been Flick’s first option to replace Kounde at right back over the last month. The Uruguayan gets the nod ahead of Eric Garcia and Xavi Espart. Simple.
The rest of the back four stays the same. Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín as the centre back duo. João Cancelo starts ahead of Alejandro Balde at left back.
So that’s: Araujo, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo. Solid enough.
MIDFIELD NO FRENKIE AGAIN
Flick has really enjoyed the double pivot of Gavi and Pedri recently. Frenkie de Jong? He’ll have to wait for his chance again.
Dani Olmo and Fermín López started together last week as rotating number 10 and left wing options. Expect them to be in the lineup again.
Raphinha is back in training but not yet ready to be involved. So no rush there.
Midfield three: Gavi, Pedri sitting deep. Olmo ahead of them. Fermín drifting wide.
ATTACK RASHFORD WINS THE RACE
Roony Bardghji started in place of Lamine Yamal last week. Didn’t work. He couldn’t make an impact.
Marcus Rashford came off the bench and looked sharp. A pretty good substitute cameo. He’s likely won the starting spot on the right wing for this one.
Up front? Robert Lewandowski gets the nod ahead of Ferran Torres. Osasuna have a tall, physical backline. They need a presence. Lewandowski provides that.
POSSIBLE XI (4-2-3-1)
Joan; Araujo, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Gavi, Pedri; Rashford, Olmo, Fermín; Lewandowski.
WHAT TO EXPECT
El Sadar is a bear pit. The home fans will be loud. The tackles will be hard. Barca have been warned.
But a win here? That’s a statement. That’s title winning form.
Flick has picked a team with height, physicality and experience. Araujo at right back is a slight concern, he’s not naturally a full back. But he’s a fighter. And that’s exactly what this game needs.
Kick off is Saturday. No excuses. Barca know what’s at stake.
