Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to take another giant leap towards officially defending their La Liga crown, Barcelona will travel to Navarre on Saturday night when they meet Osasuna.
Osasuna
Starting with the hosts, claiming an immediate boost last time out as they mounted a dramatic late comeback in Navarre as they secured a thrilling 2-1 victory against Sevilla, Osasuna have once again underlined their status as one of Spain’s ultimate surprise packages this season. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat within touching distance of finding a route into the European spots, Alessio Lisci’s men have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across La Liga. Despite facing what will certainly be a heavyweight examination when the reigning Spanish champions arrive at the Estadio El Sadar on Saturday night, Osasuna have gained a reputation for their rugged success on home soil. In fact, Lisci’s European chasers are remarkably unbeaten in all of their last 10 consecutive showdowns in Navarre – a purple patch that stems all the way back to November 22nd.
Osasuna Team News
Still sidelined with a long-term knee injury, Osasuna have confirmed that 23-year-old Iker Benito will miss the remainder of the season. However, despite missing out against Sevilla last week, former Elche defender Juan Cruz is expected to return to Lisci’s squad here.
Bagging a sensational last-gasp winner in Navarre last time out, Alejandro Catena will partner Cameroon international Flavien Boyomo at the heart of Osasuna’s defence. Registering 16 La Liga strikes this season, Croatian marksman Ante Budimir will spearhead Los Rojillos’ charge in the final third.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, while Barcelona might have suffered Champions League heartbreak this month, Hansi Flick’s superstar squad are set to defend their La Liga crown at a canter. Embarking on another domestic romp this season, the reigning Spanish champions currently hold a commanding nine-point advantage over arch-rivals Real Madrid and they will simply be looking to make another statement of intent here. Last seen securing a deserved 2-0 victory away at Getafe, the former Bayern Munich boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. In fact, despite their European disappointment earlier in the month, Barca have won all of their last nine consecutive La Liga appearances. It should also be highlighted, Flick’s men have registered 34 points from their 16 top-flight showdowns outside of Catalonia so far this season and no team among Spain’s elite can boast a better return on their travels.
Barcelona Team News
In what is a huge blow for Barca, Flick’s side have confirmed that attacking talisman Lamine Yamal is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a thigh issue. Shown what was a costly first-half booking against Getafe last weekend, French international Jules Kounde will serve a one-match suspension here.
Coming off the bench and notching a seventh La Liga strike of the season last time out, Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford should be handed a full recall. Recently returning from a muscle injury, Dutch international Frenkie de Jong will be hoping to get some more minutes under his belt.
Osasuna vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- When Osasuna and Barcelona met for their reverse La Liga meeting back on December 13th, Flick’s side secured a 2-0 victory in Catalonia.
- Barcelona open Saturday’s fixtures holding a commanding nine-point advantage over arch-rivals Real Madrid.
- Osasuna are unbeaten in all of their previous 10 consecutive appearances in front of their own supporters (six wins, four draws).
- Barcelona have registered 34 points from their 16 top-flight showdowns outside of Catalonia so far this season and no team among Spain’s elite can boast a better return on their travels.
- Seven of Osasuna’s last eight showdowns in Navarre have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
While Barcelona might be looking to take another giant leap towards officially defending their La Liga crown on Saturday night, Flick’s side should be bracing themselves for a rugged test on their travels. Meeting an Osasuna squad who are at the heart of a famous European scrap, Los Rojillos have also gained quite the reputation for their extended success on home soil. With Saturday’s hosts not suffering a single defeat from any of their last 10 consecutive matchups in front of their own supporters, Barca will be more than aware that they will need to be at their tantalising best this weekend.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
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