FC Barcelona resumes their La Liga title pursuit tonight against CA Osasuna in a rescheduled match from earlier this month.
The game was initially set for March 8 but was postponed after the tragic passing of Barcelona’s first-team doctor, Carles Minarro, just hours before kickoff. Despite both clubs expressing their dissatisfaction with the new date, their request for a change was ignored, and Barcelona will now face Osasuna tonight, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, faces a dilemma in team selection due to several players returning from international duty and some injuries, with another match against Girona scheduled in less than 72 hours.
The team will be missing Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen due to injuries, while Raphinha and Ronald Araujo are unavailable after returning late from South American international duties.
As Barcelona prepares for the match at Montjuic, here’s a look at how they might line up, hoping for three points to extend their advantage over Real Madrid.
Defense
Wojciech Szczesny remains the undisputed starting goalkeeper, and there’s no expectation of a change following the international break. Pau Cubarsi will not feature due to injury, so the central defensive pairing will consist of Eric Garcia and Inigo Martinez.
Jules Kounde, who has played in every match for both club and country since November 2023, will continue at right-back, while Alejandro Balde is set to start at left-back.
Midfield
With Marc Casado injured, Flick will pair Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in the midfield double pivot, despite their recent international commitments. Gavi, who wasn’t part of Spain’s squad, will be well-rested and is likely to start as the attacking midfielder ahead of Dani Olmo.
Attack
With Raphinha unavailable, Flick is expected to start Fermin Lopez on the left wing, a position he has been used in several times this season. Fermin, who was released early from the Spain U-21 squad, has had time to rest and train, making him a strong candidate for the role.
Robert Lewandowski is unlikely to play after picking up a slight injury last week with Poland. Given his age, combined with the demanding schedule, Ferran Torres is expected to start as the center-forward. Lamine Yamal is also set to feature on the right wing, as usual, for Barcelona.
