With victories of 5-1 and 1-0 over Villarreal and Getafe in the Spanish top division, La Blaugrana have recovered from their disappointing Champions League loss to Monaco. They now lead Real Madrid by four points.
Osasuna is unbeaten in four home league games this 2024–25 season, having finished in the top 10 in two of the previous three La Liga seasons. Most recently, they held Valencia to a goalless draw.
Osasuna manager Vicente Moreno hasn’t beaten Barca in four previous meetings as a manager, losing three and drawing one across his time at Mallorca and Espanyol.
The 49-year-old has a couple of fitness concerns, with both Jon Moncayola and Kike Barja doubtful to feature on Saturday night. Los Rojillos also remain without Iker Munoz due to a foot fracture.
Bryan Zaragoza, the Spanish winger on loan from Bayern Munich, is looking for his first goal of the season.
Osasuna predicted lineup vs Barcelona:
Osasuna predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Herrera; Areso, Catena, Boyomo, Cruz; Ibanez, Torro; Garcia, Oroz, Zaragoza; Budimir.
Ter Stegen has been replaced in goal by Pena.
The season-ending injury sustained by goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen during Barca’s 5-1 thumping of Villarreal has tarnished the team’s good start to the league campaign. Inaki Pena will make his second league start of the season as a result of his absence.
In addition to Ter Stegen, injuries of differing degrees have sidelined Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, and Marc Bernal for manager Flick. After being out of competition since April, Frenkie de Jong is getting close to playing again.
The absence of those players has allowed Pablo Torre to move up to the starting lineup, where he should play an advanced midfield role ahead of Eric Garcia and Pedri, who will be seated behind him.
Barcelona’s expected starting lineup against Osasuna (4-2-3-1) is as follows: Pena; Yamal, Torre, Raphinha; Lewandowski; E. Garcia, Pedri; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde.
