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

FC Barcelona resume their quest for the La Liga title tonight as they take on CA Osasuna in their rescheduled fixture from earlier this month.

The Blaugrana were supposed to face off against Vicente Moreno’s side on March 8, but the match had to be postponed following the untimely demise of Barça’s first-team doctor Carles Minarro hours before kickoff.

Even though both clubs were against the new date and appealed to get it changed, their complaint fell on deaf ears and Barça will host Osasuna tonight, hoping to open up a lead at the top of the table.

Hansi Flick is in a tight spot with regard to his team selection given that a number of players are returning after playing for their national teams and there are some injuries in the squad as well, while Barcelona are scheduled to play Girona in less than 72 hours.

The Catalans go into the game without Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, all out injured, while Raphinha and Ronald Araujo are also ruled out due to their late return after international assignments in South America.

Ahead of the game tonight at Montjuic, here’s how Barcelona could set up, aiming to bag three points and put some distance between themselves and Real Madrid.

Defence

Wojciech Szczesny has become the undisputed starter between the sticks for Flick and that is unlikely to change as Barcelona return from the international break.

The Blaugrana head coach has already confirmed that Pau Cubarsi will not be risked tonight and as such, the centre-back pairing will be Eric Garcia and Inigo Martinez against Osasuna.

Set for a rare start. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde, who has played in every game for club and country since November 2023, will continue that streak starting at right-back. Alejandro Balde will be the starting left-back for the Catalans.

Midfield

Marc Casado’s injury leaves Flick a man short in the midfield department and as such, he will have to play the double pivot of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, despite their exertions with the national team during the two-week break.

Gavi, who was not part of the Spain squad for the international break, will be well-rested and should get the nod ahead of Dani Olmo as the attacking midfielder for Barcelona.

Attack

With Raphinha ruled out, Flick is expected to rely on Fermin Lopez as the starter on the left flank – a position where the German has used the La Masia starlet on a number of occasions already this season.

The youngster was released early from the Spain U-21 squad and has had time to rest and train, making him a good bet to start.

Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski is unlikely to be risked after he suffered a minor knock last week with Poland. Considering that and his age, coupled with the gruelling schedule, it makes sense for Flick to go with Ferran Torres as his No. 9 tonight against Osasuna.

On the right flank though, Lamine Yamal is expected to feature from the get-go for Barcelona as usual.