Gavi, Fermin start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Osasuna | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have an excellent opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the La Liga table when they take on CA Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday night.

The Blaugrana are currently one point ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid and two above Real Madrid in third. With both the capital clubs playing on Sunday, Barça can open up a bigger gap with a win and put their rivals under pressure.

However, it will be easier said than done for Barcelona as Osasuna have shown they can be a tough opponent, having beaten the Catalans 4-2 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Furthermore, Hansi Flick could look to rotate his troops keeping an eye on the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie vs. Benfica next week.

The good news for Barcelona is that Gavi trained normally with the group today after missing the midweek game due to illness. Alejandro Balde, who suffered a knock against Benfica, is also fit and ready to go.

Only Marc Bernal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Andreas Christensen are absent due to injury problems.

Here’s how the league leaders could take the field tomorrow at Montjuic in their bid to open up a bigger gap at the top of the table.

Defence

Wojciech Szczesny put in his best performance in Barcelona colours against Benfica this week, further solidifying his status as the first-choice goalkeeper in Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s absence.

The defensive line could see some changes starting at left-back where Gerard Martin could get the nod so as to not risk Balde right after his recovery from the knock.

In for a starting berth? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Inigo Martinez could also be given a breather by manager Hansi Flick, potentially making way for Eric Garcia to feature from the get-go against Osasuna. The Spaniard will line up alongside Pau Cubarsi, who will miss the UCL clash due to suspension.

Jules Kounde, however, is expected to hold on to his place as the right-back ahead of young Hector Fort.

Midfield

There is expected to be some major shuffling in the middle of the park as Pedri and Frenkie de Jong could both be given some rest by Flick on Saturday night.

It should open the doors for Marc Casado to return to the starting lineup, slotting in as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, where his partner is likely to be Gavi.

Another change could be on the cards in the No. 10 position where Fermin Lopez might be in for a starting berth, at the expense of Dani Olmo.

Attack

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are likely to hold on to their places in the final third, slotting in on the right and left flanks, respectively. However, Flick could opt to hold his ace striker, Robert Lewandowski, back for Saturday’s game.

In his place, Ferran Torres might get a look-in as the centre-forward, although using Dani Olmo as a false nine would also be an interesting avenue for Barcelona.