FC Barcelona look set to face off against CA Osasuna in their fourth game of the 2023/2024 La Liga EA Sports campaign. The team led by Jagoba Arrasate has caused many problems for the Catalan giants in the past and it is expected that they will once again be formidable opponents.
With Barcelona currently having accumulated 7 points from their first 3 games, they will be hoping to add another 3 to their tally as they pursue Real Madrid for the league title.
Expected to deploy a strong eleven, here is how Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona could square up against Osasuna:
Potential Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
Expected to lead FC Barcelona as their captain and primary leader between the sticks as well, the German goalkeeper will be tasked with keeping Osasuna at bay whenever they get a sight of goal during the game.
Right-back: Joao Cancelo
The new signing from Manchester City arrives just in time for Barcelona to be able to count on him against Osasuna, and it is expected that he will start right away at the right flank of the defense as Barca’s primary specialist in that position from here onwards for the season.
Centre-back: Jules Kounde
The Frenchman has been displaying solid performance after solid performance this season. His technical abilities coupled with his defensive understanding of the game make him an elite player for Barcelona to be able to rely upon.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
The Danish defender has been one of the best transfer operations Barcelona has conducted in recent years. His quality and displays have thus far not let the Catalans down and Xavi will be hoping it stays that way.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
The young Spaniard continues to shine bright for Barcelona and is expected to be Xavi’s choice to start at left-back against a rigid Osasuna side that thrives on the basis of their defensive structure. Balde’s pace could possibly pave the way for Barca to deconstruct Osasuna.
CDM: Oriol Romeu
The most unexpected of signings that turned into one of the most integral of pieces within Xavi’s Barcelona side, Oriol Romeu has done well to meet and go beyond expectations to continue being the trusted pivot within this Catalan side.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
The former Manchester City midfielder consistently amazes with his great sense for the game and exquisite range of passing. His vision could prove to be a massive asset against the restricted spaces Osasuna will look to narrow down.
CM: Frenkie De Jong
Undeniably talented and an absolute joy to watch, Frenkie De Jong is Xavi’s maestro within this current setup for Barcelona and his fallback option as well given that he can perform on an elite level no matter which position on the field he is tasked to play in.
Right-winger: Raphinha
Following his two-game suspension, Brazilian winger Raphinha finally makes his return as an available player for Xavi Hernandez. Despite Lamine Yamal’s excellent displays in his absence, the 16-year-old will most probably be rested given his tender age and Raphinha will once again be called upon.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker has a rather poor streak going on in front of goal that he was able to sweeten last time around against Villarreal by scoring a goal. The 35-year-old will be hoping to finally get back to his best, and Osasuna could be his target to kickstart his revival.
Left-winger: Gavi
Even as Joao Felix arrives and could be used as a left winger by Xavi, it seems more practical to start off the game with the trusted capabilities and understanding of Gavi, who has played this false winger role of his multiple times before and could provide ample support to the midfield as such.
