FC Barcelona take on CA Osasuna as their opponents in the Spanish Super Cup Semi Finals. The Catalan giants have finally settled in Saudi Arabia and are now prepared for their clash. To meet Real Madrid in the final of the competition, Barcelona must ensure progression by overcoming their current adversaries.
Ahead of the game, there were several things that needed to be sorted out. However, Pedri receiving the medical green light was perhaps the most important out of all of them. With the Spaniard now back in the team, Barcelona can take a deep breath and head into this match.
With not too long to go until kick-off, Xavi Hernandez has already revealed his official starting XI.
In goal, Inaki Pena starts as was expected. The Spaniard continues to fill the goal and void left vacant by Marc Andre Ter Stegen. While his German senior continues his recovery, it is Pena’s duty to keep the Barcelona goal safe. Against Osasuna, however, it will be a tough task ahead.
In front of the Spaniard, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen stand as his two sentinels. Both central defenders will look to thwart any advances from Osasuna and simultaneously look to dismantle their lines through good service towards their midfielders or forwards.
On either side of those two, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde start as the fullbacks. The Frenchman covers the right-sided flank while the young Spaniard takes over the left flank of the defense.
The midfield sees Frenkie De Jong return to the eleven as the primary pivot this time. He will be joined by Ilkay Gundogan and Sergi as his two interiors up ahead. Controlling the game will be essential, and these three will be key to that.
Lastly, the frontline sees Robert Lewandowski enter the picture as the primary striker. On either side of him, Ferran Torres and Raphinha occupy the wings hoping to provide both danger and creativity from their wide channels.
