Barcelona return to La Liga action earlier than expected on Thursday evening when they host Osasuna in their game in hand.
The initial fixture was postponed due to the death of Barcelona’s club doctor and despite appeals from both clubs given the quick turnaround following the international break, the duel will go ahead on Thursday.
For Barcelona, it could prove a decisive few days. Their fatigued internationals will have to take to the field against Osasuna and then turn out against Girona on Sunday. They will be aiming to continue their hunt for La Liga glory, currently top of the standings on goal difference after their significant 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid before the international hiatus.
Osasuna will be fearing the worst on their visit to Catalonia given their current form, without victory in their last six following three defeats and three draws. Their most recent loss at home to Getafe has left them 14th and just six points above the relegation zone.
Here is 90min’s guide to the clash.
Barcelona vs Osasuna head-to-head record (last five games)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Barcelona |
Osasuna |
|---|---|
|
Atletico Madrid 2-4 Barcelona – 16/03/25 |
Osasuna 1-2 Getafe – 16/03/25 |
|
Barcelona 3-1 Benfica – 11/03/25 |
Osasuna 3-3 Valencia – 02/03/25 |
|
Benfica 0-1 Barcelona – 05/03/25 |
Celta Vigo 1-0 Osasuna – 21/02/25 |
|
Barcelona 4-0 Real Sociedad – 02/03/25 |
Osasuna 1-1 Real Madrid – 15/02/25 |
|
Barcelona 4-4 Atletico Madrid – 25/02/25 |
Mallorca 1-1 Osasuna – 10/02/25 |
|
Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports Player, LaLigaTV |
|
United States |
ESPN+, ESPN App |
|
Canada |
TSN+ |
Barcelona are without the injured quartet of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal and Andreas Christensen, with Pau Cubarsi also adding his name to the list of absentees during the international break.
The young centre-back sprained his ankle during Spain’s Nations League quarter-final first leg with the Netherlands and missed the return fixture. He’s a doubt to feature on Thursday but fortunately for Barcelona, Inigo Martinez should make his comeback from a knee injury.
Ronald Araujo and Raphinha were in action on Tuesday evening and the early hours of Wednesday morning with Uruguay and Brazil respectively. Neither are expected to start on Thursday.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Osasuna (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Garcia, Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Lopez; Lewandowski.
Osasuna are guaranteed to be without Lucas Torro in the engine room due to suspension, with the 30-year-old accumulating his tenth yellow card in La Liga last time out.
Cameroon international Enzo Boyomo was an unused substitute in the 3-1 victory over Libya on Tuesday but remains a doubt for Thursday following a lengthy trip back to Spain.
Bryan Zaragoza, who is on loan from Bayern Munich, could miss out with a hamstring injury, while centre-back Unai Garcia is also a doubt.
Osasuna predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-3-3): Herrera; Areso, Catena, Herrando, Cruz; Moncayola, Ibanez, Oroz; Ru. Garcia, Budimir, Pena.
Barcelona will welcome some weary legs back to Catalonia following the international period and that offers Osasuna a glimmer of hope on Thursday. However, the Pamplona outfit have been disappointing on their travels this season, grabbing just nine points away from home.
Despite fatigue, Hansi Flick’s men should still romp to a relatively comfortable victory, with the bulk of their key players available to them. They are unlikely to pass up an opportunity to go three points clear at the summit.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Osasuna
READ THE LATEST LA LIGA NEWS, RUMOURS & GOSSIP
