Match Preview
Barcelona defeated 10 men Real Betis 4-0 on Saturday to extend their lead at top La Liga (LL) standings to 11 points and get one step closer to securing the league title. It was described as a “well rounded performance” by Coach Xavi, who even found time to insert 15 years old Lamine Yamal, who made Barça’s youngest ever LL debut. The hosts, who lost two straight home games and were eliminated from the Copa del Rey (CDR) semifinals, had a forgettable April overall (W3, D2, L2).
remaining with Spotify The fact that only one visiting league team was able to leave this venue in 2023 with points (W7, D1) should be music to their ears. Barcelona’s defense was particularly difficult for teams to breach, as evidenced by the fact that they only gave up one goal during this stretch.
Osasuna may be torn between concentrating on their first CDR final since 2005 or striving for a top six finish, which would put them five points clear and be their first since the 2005/06 season. The top of Osasuna’s seasonal trip itinerary won’t include a trip to Camp Nou, even without the distractions of that cup competition. The visitors have given up 36 goals in their last seven league outings and suffered the club’s biggest defeat ever at this location in 2011 (8-0).
The Little Reds, who have lost only twice in their last six league games (W3, D1, L2), will be hoping to limit the number of goals they let up this time around. They really have the third best defensive record (GA: 15) in away league matches, which may assist them avoid suffering another crushing defeat at Camp Nou.
Raphinha, who has now scored in seven straight league matches including a 2-1 victory in the opposite match, continued to be Barcelona’s good luck charm with his goal against Betis. Rubén Garca, meanwhile, assisted Osasuna’s goal in that game but has yet to have a personal H2H victory (D3, L9).
Team News
Sergi Roberto, the sole first team player out for Barcelona, is struggling to make a comeback before the season is up. The Spaniard is out with a hamstring injury.
As previously reported, Christensen and Dembele both returned from injuries on Saturday; the former played from the beginning before being taken off in the 59th minute, and the latter entered the game in the 73rd.
For the game on Tuesday, head coach Xavi might start the same lineup, with Dembele again anticipated to come off the bench and enter the game in the second half.
Although Jordi Alba, Franck Kessie, and Marcos Alonso are among those vying for the opening kickoff spot, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the trio among the substitutes once more.
As for Osasuna, Darko Brasanac will be out for a while owing to a significant knee injury, and David Garcia will be a major question mark for the guests due to a muscular issue.
Although a strong team is anticipated to take the field for the match at Camp Nou, Ante Budimir may once again begin on the bench with an eye toward joining the starting XI for the Copa del Rey final.
Iker Munoz and Aimar Oroz are set to preserve their starting positions, while Kike Garcia, who led the line against Real Sociedad, could do the same in this game.
Barcelona possible starting lineup
Ter Stegen, Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde, Pedri, Busquets, F de Jong, Raphinha, Lewandowski and Gavi.
Osasuna possible starting lineup
Herrera, Vidal, Aridane, Cruz, M. Sanchez, Moncayola, Munoz, Barja, Oroz, M. Gomez and Kike.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
We predict: Barcelona 2-0 Osasuna
The league leaders, who are rapidly approaching being crowned champions for the 2022/23 season, are surely capable of making this a difficult match for Osasuna, but we are finding it difficult to back anything other than a straightforward victory for the league leaders.