Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will aim for their eighth consecutive league win as they travel to face Osasuna. The La Liga leaders are determined to continue their dominant form in the new season, while Osasuna, with a mixed start, will look to pose a challenge.
Aside from their 2-1 loss to AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona have won every match this season and sit comfortably atop the table with 21 points from seven games. The Blaugrana are coming off a narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe, a result they found somewhat disappointing given their usual high-scoring performances.
While Barcelona dominated possession and created numerous chances, their finishing lacked sharpness in the final third, something they’ll aim to improve against Osasuna.
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Osasuna, currently 7th in the standings with 11 points from seven games (three wins, two draws, and two losses), are coming off a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Valencia. They will be disappointed not to have secured all three points but now face an even bigger challenge against Barcelona. It will be intriguing to see how both teams set up tactically for this contest, with Barcelona seeking to extend their lead at the top, and Osasuna aiming to rise to the occasion.
Osasuna will be without Iker Muñoz and Kike Barja for their clash against Barcelona, but otherwise, the squad is expected to be fully available. Manager Jagoba Arrasate is likely to make a few changes from their previous match, with Ante Budimir and Bryan Zaragoza expected to return to the starting lineup.
Osasuna will stick to their familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Sergio Herrera in goal. Jesús Areso and Abel Bretones will occupy the full-back positions, while Flavien Enzo Boyomo and Jorge Herrando will form the central defensive pairing.
In midfield, Jon Moncayola will be joined by Lucas Torró and Moi Gómez, tasked with defensive responsibilities to prevent Barcelona from controlling possession too deep in their half. Bryan Zaragoza and Aimar Oroz will operate on the wings, providing width to Osasuna’s attack, while Ante Budimir will lead the line as the central striker.