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Barcelona are closing in on back-to-back La Liga championships and could seal the title this weekend, provided they defeat mid-table Osasuna.
A win against the Pamplona club would put them 14 points ahead of second-place Real Madrid, a gap that would prove unassailable if their bitter rivals then fail to overcome Espanyol on Sunday night. Should both teams mirror each other's results this weekend, next week's Clásico could be the title-deciding moment for La Blaugrana.
Barcelona will be fully locked in on the challenge ahead, though securing victory away at Osasuna is far from guaranteed despite their hosts' underwhelming home form. Hansi Flick's squad lost this same fixture 4–2 last season, and his team selection could be the deciding factor in seeking revenge on Saturday.
Jules Koundé Joins Absentee List
Adding to Flick's concerns, there is a fresh name on the injury list. First-choice right back Jules Koundé is not injured, but a yellow card during last weekend's victory over Getafe means he will sit out the upcoming match through suspension.
With Lamine Yamal ruled out for the rest of the season, Flick will need to deploy an unfamiliar combination down the right flank. Eric García, returning from his own ban, is expected to slot in for Koundé, while Roony Bardghji gets another opportunity to make his mark in Yamal's position.
Raphinha has been sidelined on the opposite wing since the March international break, but his recent return to training suggests a comeback may be on the horizon. The Brazilian is unlikely to start at Osasuna even if he makes the squad, particularly with next week's Clásico in mind.
Andreas Christensen and Marc Bernal have also been involved in recent training sessions, though neither appears likely to feature on Saturday.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Osasuna (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—Barça have solidified their backline in recent outings and García has reaped the rewards of stronger defensive displays from those ahead of him. Last weekend's clean sheet was his second consecutive shutout.
RB: Eric García—Barcelona's other García is set to step in for the suspended Koundé, though Ronald Araújo will push for the chance to fill the Frenchman's role.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—A commanding performance against Getafe helped secure Barça's clean sheet and cemented the side's status as the best defensive unit in La Liga.
CB: Gerard Martín—An unexpected standout at center back helping address Barcelona's thin squad depth, Martín is set for his 23rd league start of the campaign at Estadio El Sadar.
LB: João Cancelo—Cancelo has been Flick's go-to option at left back of late, leaving Alejandro Balde likely to warm the bench again this weekend. The Portugal international is a polished performer when firing on all cylinders.
DM: Frenkie de Jong—Gavi has done a commendable job since returning from injury, capably filling Frenkie de Jong's role. However, the time has come for the Dutchman to make his first start since February.
DM: Pedri—De Jong's return should help lighten the load on Pedri, who registered his 11th assist of the season against Getafe. The midfielder was in irresistible form last time out.
RW: Roony Bardghji—Charged with replicating Yamal's creativity, Bardghji struggled to impress at Getafe. Flick is expected to give him another shot at adding to his two La Liga goal contributions.
AM: Dani Olmo—Olmo looks set to continue in the No.10 role, assuming Flick decides against forcing Marcus Rashford into the starting XI following his goal last weekend.
LW: Fermín López—López recorded his 29th goal contribution of the season last time out, with a superb campaign continuing to hit new peaks ahead of the World Cup. That kind of output is essential in Raphinha's absence.
ST: Ferran Torres—Robert Lewandowski was below his best against Getafe, and Torres should reclaim his spot in the lineup as a result. The Spaniard had netted three goals in three appearances before being an unused substitute last weekend.