Barcelona manager Xavi has a tricky balancing act to perform. His team only managed a goalless draw in midweek as they hosted Galatasaray in the Europa League Round of 16. Xavi won't want to go out of that competition so early, but he can't let his attention wander. A poor result in the league could make life harder for his team as they look to finish in the top four.
Barcelona have won their last three league games at the Nou Camp by at least three goals, and they'll be hoping to get back to that level of home performance for the visit of Osasuna. The visitors, who will be looking to break into the top half of the table with a positive result, have a poor record away to the Catalan giants, and Xavi will be hoping his team maintain that history.
Osasuna are having a promising season, well clear of the relegation as things stand, but their form has been mixed. A draw with Sevilla and a win against Villarreal bookend two losses, against Atleti and La Real, and a comfortable win against Rayo Vallecano.
MORE: Why is Barcelona playing in the Europa League?
Barcelona will be looking to get back to winning ways at home and build momentum before they travel to Turkey. For Osasuna to get anything from the game, they'll likely have to improve on their poor scoring record away from this season. If they manage they, they could yet trouble their hosts.
How to watch Barcelona vs. Osasuna
- Date: Sunday, March 13
- Time: 4:00 pa.m. ET
- USA TV channel: —
- USA streaming: ESPN+
- Canada streaming: TSN
USA: The match will be available to stream on ESPN+ for viewers in the United States.
Canada: The match will be streamed on TSN.ca and the TNS app for Canadian viewers.
Barcelona vs. Osasuna lineups
Xavi has a few selection issues to contend with ahead of this game. Samuel Umtiti is set to miss out, while a muscle problem will see Sergi Roberto ineligible. Ansu Fati is also recovering from a thigh injury, and will also be unavailable.
Alejandra Balde is also out, due to an ankle injury, while Nico won't be available due to suspension. With this game coming in between two ties of their Europa League campaign, it remains to be seen how much Xavi will rotate during this game.
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3, left to right) Ter Stegen — Albes, Pique, Araujo, Alba — Gavi, Busqets, Pedri— Ferran, Aubameyang, Traore
💪 Next up: #BarçaOsasuna pic.twitter.com/Rzyb89pDwu
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 13, 2022
More: Barcelona confident of signing Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen on a free transfer
Osasuna are expected to head to the Camp Nou with just one absentee, as Jesus Areso misses out with a wrist injury. Aside from that, Jagoba Arrasate should have a full squad to choose from.
Osasuna predicted lineup (4-5-1, left to right): Herrera — Sanchez, Cruz, D. Garcia, Vidal — R. Garcia, Brasanac, Torro, Moncayola, Avila — Budimir
Barcelona vs. Osasuna betting odds
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
Osasuna have struggled scoring away from home in the La Liga this season, and that seems unlikely to change with a trip to Barcelona. However, the tight schedule could be as big a challenge for the hosts as their visitors.
There will be players in the side feeling fatigue, and Xavi may consider resting one or two of his key men. Although Barca have been scoring with regularity at home, I think Xavi will look to close the game down and bring off tired legs if his team get a couple of goals.
Pick: Barcelona To Win By 2 Goals (+225)
- Moneyline: Barcelona (-295) / Draw (+425) / Osasuna (+850)
- Spread: Barcelona -0.5 (-295) / Osasuna +0.5 (+250)
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over (-145) / Under (+115)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (+105) / No (-135)