Verdict: Raphinha to score anytime
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention back to La Liga duties on Saturday night, Barcelona will welcome Osasuna to Catalonia.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, although some around Catalonia might have been shocked last summer following the appointment of Hansi Flick, Barcelona have embarked on a sensational rise under the former Bayern Munich boss. Picking up a Champions League first-leg advantage earlier in the week as they clinched a 1-0 victory away at Benfica, the mood around Catalonia is at a red-hot high. Likewise, last seen in domestic action cruising their way to a routine 4-0 romp against Real Sociedad, the Spanish giants open this weekend’s fixtures leading the chase at the top of the La Liga standings. Crowned Super Cup champions back on January 12th as they claimed a famous 5-2 win against arch-rivals Real Madrid, Barca have not suffered a single defeat across any competition since opening the New Year.
Barcelona Team News
While 18-year-old sensation Pau Cubarsi might have been shown a Champions League red card away at Benfica earlier in the week, Barca’s budding defensive star is free to feature on Saturday night. However, suffering another injury setback last month, former Chelsea star Andreas Christensen remains on the sidelines.
Bagging the winner in Lisbon on Wednesday and notching nine goals in as many European appearances, ex-Leeds talisman Raphinha will partner Robert Lewandowski in the final third. Uruguayan international Ronald Araujo could be handed a full recall and replace Alejandro Balde.
Osasuna
As for the visitors, while Osasuna might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the 2024/25 campaign, Los Rojillos have drastically failed to find any kind of recent stability. Suffering late heartbreak at home against Valencia last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a dramatic 3-3 stalemate, Vicente Moreno’s men have come tumbling out the top-half of the La Liga standings. Watching their Copa del Rey adventure come to an end of February 6th as they slumped to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Real Sociedad, Osasuna have notched just a single victory from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. However, despite facing what is a heavyweight challenge on Saturday night, it should be noted that Moreno’s side claimed a famous 4-2 victory when they welcomed Barca to El Sadar for their reverse La Liga meeting on September 28th.
Osasuna Team News
Heading into Saturday’s trip to Catalonia, Osasuna have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns to worry about. Enjoying what has been a real La Liga flurry this season and already notching 14 La Liga goals, veteran striker Ante Budimir will lead Moreno’s charge.
Arriving from Real Valladolid on a permanent basis last summer, Cameroon international Flavien Boyomo will partner Alejandro Catena at the back. Notching a brace against Valencia last weekend and recording four La Liga goals since opening the New Year, 23-year-old Amir Oroz is one to watch.
Barcelona vs Osasuna Key Factors to Consider
When Barcelona and Osasuna met for their reverse La Liga meeting on September 28th, Los Rojillos claimed a stunning 4-2 victory at El Sadar.
However, Saturday’s guests have recorded just a single win from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
Barcelona have not suffered a single defeat across any competition since opening the New Year.
Flick’s side have recorded a quartet of goals in their back-to-back appearances in Catalonia.
Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski has notched 21 La Liga strikes in his 25 appearances so far this season.
Conclusion
Enjoying what has become a sensational purple patch since opening the New Year, Barcelona will be looking to lay down another title marker here. Getting this weekend’s fixtures underway leading the chase at the top of the La Liga table, Flick’s high-flying squad will be smelling a golden opportunity on Saturday night. Despite falling to a shock 4-2 defeat when they travelled to El Sadar for their reverse meeting on September 28th, Los Rojillos have come crashing back down to earth. With Osasuna notching just a single La Liga victory on their travels since the end of October, it is no surprise that Barca are pencilled in as a landslide favourite here.
Verdict: Raphinha to score anytime
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
