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One win away from the title: Barcelona expected XI vs Osasuna

Barcelona travel to Osasuna one win from the La Liga title. Here's Flick's predicted lineup, injury news and key selection decisions for Saturday's crucial fixture.
Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Roony Bardghji
Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Roony Bardghji | NurPhoto/GettyImages

Barcelona head to El Sadar on Saturday, where victory could make them La Liga champions before the weekend is over. Flick has chosen his side, missing both Kounde and Yamal, but with a squad which has demonstrated they can triumph even without their first best players.

Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1

GK: Joan Garcia - He has kept two back-to-back clean sheets and the number one choice appears to be fully settled. He will be tested more here than he was by Getafe, but he has the mental strength required to get the job done

RB: Eric Garca - Stepping in for the suspended Kounde. He knows the system inside and out, and was more than competent in this position before. Defensively strong but without the same attacking threat as Kounde.

CB: Pau Cubarsi - He has been Barcelona's most consistent defender all year. Reads the game so well beyond his years and inspires the back line. Expect another assured performance from the 18-year-old.

CB: Gerard Martin - The surprise player of the season is in defence once again. His 23rd league start comes at centre-back, a position nobody predicted him to cement at the start of the season. His composure this season has been second to none.

LB: Joao Cancelo - Flick is happy to trust him ahead of Balde and Cancelo has earned it. Brings more threat from the left. His experience on these kind of big stages can be crucial.

CM: Gavi - He really needs to be at the starting lineup after his recent performances. Gavi has filled in very well after his return from the injury, and with the title within touching distance, his aggression and leadership will be crucial. We expect Frenkie de Jong to to play an important role coming off the bench.

CM: Pedri - Unstoppable this season. 11 assists in the league so far, a standing ovation from Getafe. Rightly one of the best midfielders in the world. When Barca need tempo, he will control it for them.

RW: Roony Bardghji - Didn't really convince against Getafe but another opportunity will arrive. With Yamal out for the rest of the season, he will get more chances. The 18-year-old has the quality to harm Osasuna in the channels and exploit spaces.

CAM: Dani Olmo - He is the pivot between midfield and attack. His pressing is excellent in tight areas and he has a good understanding of where to run in the number 10 role, fitting Flick's requirements.

LW: Fermin Lopez - 29 goal contributions this season. Fermin has been very consistent for Barcelona throughout the season and gets another start.

ST: Ferran Torres - He starts ahead of Lewandowski. Three goals in his last three prior to dropping to the bench last weekend. His movement and pressing style are more fitting for what's needed in a tough away game than a static centre forward would be.

Injury News

  • Jules Kounde: Suspended
  • Andreas Christensen: still not cleared                                                 
  • Marc Bernal: close but not ready

What to Expect

Osasuna away is tough, Barca were defeated by the same side 4-2 here last season. However, this is a completely different Barca under Flick that can win without Yamal or Raphinha.

With the title within grasp, it will take a significant performance from Osasuna to deny them three points here before Clasico.

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