Osasuna vs Barcelona predictions and match preview for Tuesday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as Xavi’s team head to El Sadar.
| Date | Tuesday 8th November 2022 |
| Kick-Off | 21:30 (local time) |
| Stadium | El Sadar |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Osasuna vs Barcelona Preview
Barcelona head to El Sadar this Tuesday for their final game prior to the World Cup. A lot of their players will be heading to Qatar and will be eager to avoid injury but Xavi’s priority will be 3 points which would ensure this has been a strong first part of the season, in LaLiga at least.
Osasuna can also reflect on a positive opening to the campaign, regardless of the outcome here. They have recovered from a brief downturn in form to win 3 of their last 4 matches. That has fired the Pamplona side back up into 5th place and they’d climb to 3rd were they to pull off a shock win here.
With big problems at Sevilla and early doubts about Villarreal under Quique Setien, there could potentially be an opportunity for Osasuna to make a surprise push for European qualification this term. Jagoba Arrasate will be keen to downplay talk of that at this stage, but Osasuna fans might just be getting excited about a possible return to continental action. Their side looks solid at both ends of the pitch right now with just 12 goals conceded in 13 games this term, while in-form Chimy Avila is capable of match-winning contributions at the other end.
Albeit on a slightly lower level, there are some parallels with Barcelona in that sense. Xavi’s team have also found a way to keep the ball out of their own net with clean sheets in 11 of their 13 league fixtures so far this term. Meanwhile at the other end, they have a genuine match winner in the shape of Robert Lewandowski who has frequently settled tight games in the Catalan team’s favour.
The Polish striker was at it again in their last away league game with his 93th minute strike the only goal in the clash with Valencia. It was more comfortable at the weekend as Camp Nou waved goodbye to Gerard Pique with a 2-0 win over Almeria, a fitting send off for the legendary defender who will be part of a Barcelona matchday squad for the final time here, although it’s unclear whether he will be involved in the game at all.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Osasuna
| INJURED | Kike Saverio, Ez Abde |
| DOUBTFUL | |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Aitor – Cruz, David Garcia, Unai Garcia, Pena – Torro, Moncayola – Moi Gomez, Aimar, Avila – Budimir (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Jagoba Arrasate
Barcelona
| INJURED | Araujo, Depay, Sergi Roberto, Kounde, Kessie |
| DOUBTFUL | |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Ter Stegen – Balde, Garcia, Christensen, Bellerin – De Jong, Busquets, Gavi – Pedri, Lewandowski, Dembele (4-3-3)
Coach: Xavi
Score Prediction: Osasuna 0-1 Barcelona
This game sees the teams with two of the best five defensive records in LaLiga meet and Osasuna have been competitive enough to suggest they can make a game of this. Barcelona haven’t been as dominant on their travels as they have at home, but they are in the habit of finding ways to win with Lewandowski potentially the difference maker again here.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
