Barcelona aims for its eighth consecutive victory in LaLiga to match Ernesto Valverde’s club record. The team is set to face Osasuna this Saturday with a heavily rotated lineup. Coach Hansi Flick has decided to rest several key players, including Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Casadó, Balde, and Iñigo Martínez, replacing them with Ferran, Pau Víctor, Eric García, Gerard Martín, and Sergi Domínguez.
Barcelona has enjoyed a strong record against Osasuna, winning the last six official encounters and remaining undefeated in nine matches. The last defeat in Pamplona dates back to February 2012. If Barcelona secures a victory this weekend, it will mark a significant achievement by reaching eight wins in a row, setting a new club record for the best start to a league campaign.
This match poses a notable challenge for Hansi Flick’s side. Osasuna, under Vicente Moreno, has played four home games this season, losing only once to Leganés in an unexpected draw in the opening round. They are expected to be a tough opponent, reminiscent of Getafe’s difficult visit earlier in the season, which resulted in a narrow win for Barcelona.
With the Madrid derby scheduled for Sunday, which could impact Barcelona’s position, Flick might make additional changes to the starting eleven. He is also preparing for a crucial Champions League match against Young Boys on Tuesday.
Iñaki Peña will start in goal for the second consecutive match due to Ter Stegen’s serious injury, as the team considers signing another goalkeeper. Flick will also be without Araújo, Bernal, De Jong, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Fermín, and Christensen. Meanwhile, Moreno will miss Jon Moncayola due to injury, adding to the longer-term absences of Kike Barja and Iker Muñoz.
Osasuna’s lineup includes: Sergio Herrera, Areso, Catena, Boyomo, Bretones, Pablo Ibáñez, Torró, Rubén García, Aimar Oroz, Bryan Zaragoza, and Budimir.
Barcelona’s lineup features: Iñaki Peña, Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric García, Pau Víctor, Pablo Torre, S. Domínguez, Gerard Martín, Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Lewandowski.
The match will be officiated by Cuadra Fernández at El Sadar Stadium, starting at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT / 1:00 PM MX.