Overview
Returning after the FIFA Days in March, Barcelona immediately entered an important match against Osasuna in the framework of the make-up match of round 27 of La Liga.
This is an opportunity for coach Hansi Flick's team to increase the gap with Real Madrid to 3 points after playing all the matches. However, this match also promises many potential risks for Blaugrana.
The make-up match of round 27 has given Barcelona's pillars less time to recover after returning from the national team. Not to mention, Barcelona will have an important match with Girona in round 28. In addition, they have a second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid on January 3.
The frequency of 3 matches in just 7 days will force Flick to make reasonable rotations to preserve the players' physical strength, but also bring the best results.
Of course, Osasuna is not a big concern for Barca. This team has not known the taste of victory in the last 5 matches in La Liga, as well as only having 33 points on the rankings.
The only advantage Osasuna have in this match is their physical strength, as they did not lose too many key players in the FIFA Days series in March.
In the first leg, Osasuna surprisingly won 4-2 against Barcelona. However, it was also Osasuna's only win in the last 10 confrontations against Barcelona, including 8 defeats.
Barcelona are also having a good record at home this season with an average of 2.25 points/match. They will aim for a necessary victory to become a springboard for the upcoming difficult journey.
Personnel situation
Given the time of national team matches, Araujo and Raphinha are likely to have to sit on the bench. Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal will recover in time to start after playing for the national team during the recent break.
On the other side of the front line, Osasuna are without Unai Garcia and Bryan Zaragoza, who are sidelined through injury. Meanwhile, Lucas Torro is suspended. Ante Budimir is expected to lead the visitors' attack.
Expected lineup:
Barcelona: Szczesny, Martin, Fort, Martinez, Kounde, De Jong, Torres, Pedro, Olmo, Yamal, Lewandowski.
Osasuna: Herrera, Cruz, Catena, Boyomo, Areso, Ibanez, Moncayola, Gomez, Raul Garcia, Ruben Garcia, Budimir.
The match between Barcelona and Osasuna takes place at 3:00 am on March 28 (Vietnam time).
