Osasuna vs Barcelona Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Osasuna vs Barcelona on and what time does it start? Osasuna vs Barcelona will take place on Sunday 3rd September, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Osasuna vs Barcelona? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Osasuna vs Barcelona on in the UK? Osasuna vs Barcelona will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Osasuna vs Barcelona in the UK? Osasuna vs Barcelona can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
OSASUNA
Last season Osasuna qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League by finishing seventh in the table, edging above Athletic Club in La Liga. The Pamplona club, though, after a summer in which their first European season in 15 years seemed like it would not happen as they seemed like they may be expelled, have started the 2023/24 season in very indifferent form.
The home team started with a 2-0 defeat of Celta Vigo on the opening day of the season. After that they were beaten 2-0 by Athletic Club at El Sadar before a 2-1 win away to Valencia. Outside of their domestic results, though, Osasuna have been knocked out of the UEFA Europa Conference League playoffs by Club Brugge, losing 4-3 on aggregate.
BARCELONA
Barcelona are the reigning Spanish champions but there will be serious concerns about whether or not they can maintain a level to finish at the top once again. The Catalans’ defensive record is what really stood out for much of last season and they very nearly broke the all-time best defensive record for La Liga before collapsing a little towards the end of the season.
Their performance level, though, with a lack of cohesion and fluency going forward, is something that will be of major concern for the Blaugrana. They started this season with a goalless draw away to Getafe in which they became increasingly frustrated before edging past Cadiz by two goals to nil with two very late goals. Last weekend they defeated Villarreal with a 4-3 win despite being 3-2 down with less than 20 minutes of the game to go.
THE TEAM NEWS
OSASUNA
Osasuna will remain without Darko Brasanac due to an ACL injury but Jagoba Arrasate can welcome back Chimy Avila after the end of his suspension.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Herrera; Areso, Catena, David Garcia, Cruz; Ibanez, Munoz, Oroz; Barja, Garcia, Jose
UNAVAILABLE: Brasanac (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
BARCELONA
Xavi has a couple of defensive issues with injuries to both Ronald Araujo and Inigo Martinez but their most crucial absentee is that of youngster Pedri in midfield.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Roberto, Kounde, Christensen, Alonso; Gundogan, Romeu, de Jong; Gavi, Lewandowski, Yamal
UNAVAILABLE: Araujo (Injured), Pedri (Injured), Martinez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Spanish football, up and down the pyramid, has been low-scoring and defensive in its nature with teams preferring to play a rough and reactive style of football. Osasuna’s three matches have consisted of just seven goals so far this season. Barcelona, despite their 4-3 win away to Villarreal last weekend, have been generally low-scoring with the Catalans preferring to win 1-0 last season. Another low-scoring encounter with under 2.5 goals is very likely for this one in Navarre.
