FC Barcelona prepare to face off against 9th-placed Osasuna in what is expected to be a tough contest for both sides competing. La Blaugrana have their aims firmly set on extending their lead over Real Madrid to 14 points, while Osasuna will continue to forge through every game until Saturday arrives when they themselves get to compete against Real Madrid for the Copa Del Ray title.
With the objectives and squad lists announced, here is how FC Barcelona would look to lineup for matchday 33 of La Liga Santander:
Potential Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
The German goalkeeper is just three clean sheets away from breaking a European record held by Paco Liano during his time at Deportivo, of 26 clean sheets in a league campaign. Ter Stegen will surely be the starter in goal.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
The young Spaniard has appeared at the perfect time for La Blaugrana. Nominated for Team of the Season as well, Balde can aim to terrorize Osasuna in this game with newfound acclaim.
Centre-back: Ronald Araujo
The Uruguayan continues to be Barcelona’s star performer in defense and the leader when it comes to maintaining discipline and leading by example. His performance will be key to keeping Osasuna contained.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
The Danish defender’s return has brought back both stability in defense and more discipline within the team when in possession. A key player for the Catalans who sometimes goes unappreciated.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
Similar to Balde, Jules Kounde is another one of those stars that has managed to become nominated for the La Liga Team of the Season. The Frenchman’s versatility could be a huge hurdle for Osasuna to overcome when trying to deal with him.
CDM: Sergio Busquets
The captain and anchor of the team, Busquets’ presence as a pivot is essential for Barcelona to operate as they do, and he exists as an asset for the entirety of the team, not just those closest to him in positional proximity.
CM: Pedri
The young gem of Barcelona when it comes to their new lineage of stars, the golden boy winner will be the heart of the Barca attacks and stringing together passes when in possession.
CM: Frenkie De Jong
The Dutchman exists as a great initiator for Barcelona. His dribbling prowess, composure when in possession, and acute awareness are all traits that make him very much a Barcelona-esque player who can also unconventionally wreak havoc when needed.
Left-winger: Gavi
The appearance of Gavi as a false winger will enable Barcelona to be much more consistent when in possession and provides both the midfield and offense with a passing outlet and asset who can continuously support both ends of the team’s spectrum.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
Since the re-emergence of the previously sidelined players, the Polish talisman for Barcelona has regained both confidence and quality performances. Goals are coming back in, and that is exactly what Lewandowski does best. His race with Karim Benzema for the Pichichi continues to heat up, so he will be eager to get more balls in the back of the net.
Right-winger: Raphinha
The Brazilian winger will surely be deployed by Xavi once again as it seems unlikely that the manager would opt to start the returning Ousmane Dembele just yet given the club’s insistence on ensuring the Frenchman is not forced back to any extent in order to avoid any and all chances of relapses occurring.
Raphinha by no means is a slouch, reaching double figures in both goals and assists and continues to be a massive headache for opposition sides nonetheless.
Expected Line-up:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
Defenders: Kounde, Christensen, Araujo, Balde
Midfielders: Pedri, Busquets, De Jong
Forwards: Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi
