By Graham Ruthven
Taking part in catch-up
This fixture was initially postponed earlier this month because of the demise of Barca crew physician Carles Minarro Garcia.
The rearranged fixture was due to this fact at all times more likely to congest the schedule for each groups, however neither are pleased with the sport being performed so near the worldwide window when some gamers gained’t be lengthy again from nationwide crew responsibility.
Barca and Osasuna each failed of their appeals for the fixture to be moved, which means the 2 groups confronted the prospect of two video games in simply 4 days – Barcelona play Girona on Sunday with Osasuna up in opposition to Athletic Membership.
Regardless of the scheduling controversy, Barca begin the ultimate stretch of the membership season in wonderful form. They’ve gained their final seven league video games in succession and sit prime of LaLiga. The Catalans are title favourites at this level.
For Osasuna, although, the hope is that the worldwide break gave them the chance to reset after a six-game winless run throughout all competitions.
Whereas Vicente Moreno’s crew have a six-point cushion on the relegation locations, they have to discover type rapidly to keep away from being sucked into hassle close to the foot of the desk.
Key gamers
For membership and nation, Lamine Yamal is the brightest spark on the pitch. He proved this by scoring a vital aim for Spain of their UEFA Nations League win over the Netherlands. {The teenager} will possible be Barca’s principal risk in opposition to Osasuna too.
No one has scored extra targets for Barcelona this season than Robert Lewandowski and the Polish striker is predicted to steer the road for the Catalans on Thursday, though Ferran Torres might be a rotational choice.
Pedri and Gavi will management the sport in central midfield with Frenkie de Jong presently in good type because the midfielder who provides Barcelona a special dimension resulting from his eye-catching dribbling potential.
Osasuna have already overwhelmed Barca as soon as this season and can look to recycle the sport plan that labored again in September by exploiting the Catalans’ excessive defensive position.
Ante Budimir netted in that match, and has 15 targets to his title in LaLiga this season. The Croatian will pose a risk as soon as extra at Montjuïc with Rubén García and Aimar Oroz two others to control.
Staff information
Ronald Araújo and Raphinha are anticipated to be again within the Barcelona squad, however after taking part in for Uruguay and Brazil respectively on Tuesday evening it’s potential each gamers might begin Thursday evening’s recreation on the bench.
Pau Cubarsí is a doubt after selecting up an ankle harm whereas taking part in for Spain within the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Nonetheless, Iñigo Martínez is again in coaching after recovering from a knee challenge.
Osasuna will likely be with out Bryan Zaragoza after the on-loan Bayern Munich winger was pressured off in opposition to Getafe earlier than the worldwide break.
Lucas Torro will serve a suspension whereas Enzo Boyomo will likely be in the identical scenario as Araújo and Raphinha having performed for Cameroon earlier this week.
Prediction
We’re anticipating Barca to go in to the weekend with a 3 level benefit on the prime of LaLiga, successful this recreation with a minimal of fuss, regardless of all of the noise pre-match: Barcelona 2-0 Osasuna
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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