€30m player in, Pedri rested – Predicted Barcelona starting XI for La Liga clash against Osasuna | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are now set to take on CA Osasuna at the Montjuic Stadium. While La Blaugrana could not manage to win their first encounter this season, this is an opportunity to get payback. To do that, however, Hansi Flick will need to carefully assess the Barcelona line up that he ends up fielding.

However, with Barça having played an exhausting game against SL Benfica in their previous match, this might be a game that forces Flick to make some rotations. While it remains to be seen what exactly he does, a good predicted can be made as to which players have a better chance of starting this important La Liga clash.

Here is how Flick’s team could line up for this game.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

After putting up arguably his best performance ever in a Barcelona shirt against Benfica, Wojciech Szczesny is currently in red-hot form. With the team still being undefeated with him in goal, there will be a lot of confidence in Barcelona knowing that the veteran goalkeeper is there to bail them out.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

As one of the guarantees for Hansi Flick in the UEFA Champions League this season, Jules Kounde has already accumulated a lot of minutes. However, the Frenchman has proven time and time again that he can take on any kind of challenge no matter the fatigue or pressure.

Centre-back: Eric Garcia

With both Ronald Araujo and Inigo Martinez looking like the likely starters against Benfica for the second leg, this could be a game where Eric Garcia ends up starting. The Spaniard has done well with his chances this season, but he will need to be extra cautious if he ends up starting against Osasuna.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

An unfortunate red card ruined Cubarsi’s night in Portugal during the last game, but he may get a chance to redeem himself against Osasuna. The youngster will not be able to play against Benfica in the second leg, so this is as good a chance as any for Flick to play him an entire game without needing to worry about how to give him rest.

Left-back: Gerard Martin

With Alejandro Balde having played a crucial role in the last game against Benfica, the Spaniard could be rested in this game. Fortunately, Gerard Martin has proven in recent games that he has the quality and consistency to take on that left-back position and deliver solid performances.

CDM: Marc Casado

This could be a good chance for Hansi Flick to trust Marc Casado and put him back in the starting eleven again. With Pedri having played a lot recently, and having done a lot of running against SL Benfica in the last game, this is a good chance for the €30 million-rated Spanish midfielder to be given a big opportunity.

For Casado, he will have a lot to prove if he ends up starting. He has showcased his character this season, but his technical quality often gets overlooked and this could be a chance to showcase why it should not be that way.

CDM: Frenkie de Jong

Arguably playing his best football this season now, Frenkie de Jong is a blessing for Hansi Flick’s team. He helps maintain the tempo of the game but also has the ability to make runs himself no matter how many defenders line up in front of him, and that can sometimes help open up tough defensive structures.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

The young Spanish wizard is often the solution for Barcelona whenever they face a tough situation, and his dribbling can help trouble Osasuna. By having him on the pitch, Hansi Flick would know that he has a star on the field who can change the situations of games all by himself.

CAM: Dani Olmo

Having been replaced early in the previous game to bring in some extra defensive cover, Dani Olmo would be completely fresh and ready to go for this upcoming fixture. With his ability to wreck havoc even in tight spaces, he could prove to be a dangerous asset against a compact Osasuna side.

The Brazilian forward was the scorer of the game-winning goal for Barcelona in the last game. Considering his form, it would be a waste to rest him right now as he could help the team unlock that rigid Osasuna defense and he has the ability to often conjure up goals out of nothing.

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski played the entirety of the game against Benfica, so fatigue could lead to Hansi Flick choosing to start Ferran Torres in this game. The Spaniard has been exceptional in terms of his efficiency in front of goal this season, but he will still need to be clinical if he does end up starting this game.