Barcelona vs Osasuna Preview and Prediction
Barcelona vs Osasuna Match Preview
Tournament – La Liga
Date – Wednesday, January 31
Kick-off Time – 11:30 pm IST
Venue – Olimpic Lluis Companys Stadium
Barcelona continue to struggle this season as they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey in the quarter-final stage by Athletic Bilbao. They lost 4-2 at the San Mames stadium after extra time.
They had already lost the Supercopa de Espana, losing 4-1 in the final against arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Barca are third in La Liga and also alive in the UEFA Champions League, reaching the Round of 16 stage. However, they’ll need to pick up their form immensely if they are to win either of those trophies.
Osasuna, meanwhile, have been inconsistent this season. They have put in some good performances coupled with some poor defeats. They are 11th in the La Liga table.
Osasuna were eliminated from the Copa del Rey Round of 16 by Real Sociedad and lost in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Barcelona.
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Team News
Barcelona are without Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen due to their respective long-term injuries. Alejandro Balde also suffered an injury in their clash against Athletic Bilbao and could be out for a long duration.
Inigo Martinez, Marcos Alonso, and Raphinha are also out of action due to their respective injuries.
Osasuna, meanwhile, have their entire squad available for the clash.
Possible Lineups
Barcelona:
Goalkeeper: Inaki Pena
Defenders: Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Joao Cancelo, Pau Cubarsi
Midfielders: Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri
Attackers: Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski
Osasuna:
Goalkeeper: Sergio Herrera
Defenders: Ruben Pena, David Garcia, Alejandro Catena, Juan Cruz, Johan Mojica
Midfielders: Pablo Ibanez, Iker Munoz, Moi Gomez
Attackers: Raul Garcia, Ante Budimir
Head-to-Head
Barcelona and Osasuna have faced off 22 times in the past, with the Blaugrana winning 17 times. Osasuna have won just twice while three of their encounters have ended in draws.
Barca have won all five of their last meetups across competitions.
Last five results:
Barcelona 2-0 Osasuna – Supercopa de Espana – January 12, 2024
Osasuna 1-2 Barcelona – La Liga – September 4, 2023
Barcelona 1-0 Osasuna – La Liga – May 2, 2023
Osasuna 1-2 Barcelona – La Liga – November 9, 2022
Barcelona 4-0 – La Liga – March 14, 2022
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Prediction
Barcelona have won three of their last five games across competitions, losing twice. They will host Villarreal in La Liga before facing Osasuna.
Osasuna have a similar record in their last five games across competitions, winning three and losing twice. They will travel to face Sevilla in La Liga before the Barca clash.
Both sides have been quite inconsistent this season. While Osasuna have a poor record against Barcelona, this is arguably a good opportunity for them to grab a result due to the Blaugrana’s injuries.
Predicted Score: Barcelona 2-2 Osasuna
Odds (subject to change)
Barcelona win – 1.31
Osasuna win – 11.50
Draw – 6.70
Odds source – Oddspedia.com
Players to Watch Out For
Barcelona
Barcelona will depend on Robert Lewandowski against Osasuna. The veteran striker has been far from his best and received immense criticism from fans. He has, however, scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 28 games across competitions.
He has previously scored twice in four appearances against Osasuna.
Osasuna
Ante Budimir could be a key player for Osasuna against Barcelona. The Croatian striker started the season well but has dropped off in recent times, scoring just once in his last seven appearances.
Overall, Budimir has scored nine goals and contributed two assists in 20 La Liga games this season.
Where to Watch
India – Jio Cinema, Sports 18
UK – ITV
US – ESPN+