Barcelona predicted lineup vs Osasuna - La Liga

Barcelona continue their push for La Liga glory on Thursday evening when they host Osasuna.

The Catalan giants were set to welcome Osasuna to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys several weeks ago but the death of their club doctor saw the clash postponed. There were failed appeals from both clubs over the rearranged fixture's proximity to the March international break and Hansi Flick will have to manage minutes for his players on Thursday night.

Victory would see Barca move three points clear of Clasico rivals Real Madrid in second before they're in action again against Girona this Sunday, but even defeat would see them stay at the summit on goal difference.

Here is how Barca could line up against Osasuna.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Osasuna (4-2-3-1)

GK: Wojciech Szczesny - Having retired from international football with Poland, Szczesny will be one of few Barcelona starters on Thursday who is well-rested.

RB: Jules Kounde - There remain doubts over his future but Kounde is an integral performer at right-back for Barca. The 26-year-old played 210 minutes for France during the international break in Nations League clashes with Croatia.

CB: Eric Garcia - Starts have been few and far between for Garcia this term but with Ronald Araujo returning late from international duty and Pau Cubarsi suffering an injury with Spain, he could get a rare chance here.

CB: Inigo Martinez - Martinez missed the international period through injury but should return from his knee problem in time for Osasuna. He's started Barca's last three outings.

LB: Alejandro Balde - Balde has been in impressive form for Barca over recent weeks and will be required to make a sizeable attacking impact down the left flank with Raphinha missing.

DM: Frenkie de Jong - De Jong locked horns with several of his Barca clubmates during Nations League duels with Spain, including central midfield partner Pedri.

DM: Pedri - Barca's metronome will be eager to add to his 12 goal contributions on Thursday, dictating the tempo from deep positions and supporting the forward line with late darts in and around the penalty area.

RW: Lamine Yamal - Yamal scored over the international period and has found the net in his last two Barca outings. He also scored in the reverse fixture despite losing 4-2 and one would expect him to make an enormous impact on Thursday.

AM: Dani Olmo - Olmo has saved his best performances for La Liga battles over the past month and Osasuna will be hard pushed to keep the Spanish playmaker quiet.

LW: Fermin Lopez - Raphinha misses out having endured a difficult evening in Argentina on Tuesday night, with Lopez likely to fill his shoes.

ST: Robert Lewandowski - Lewandowski has been playing through the pain in recent weeks but will start for Barca on Thursday. He was amongst the goals over the international break and will be keen to add to his La Liga tally of 22 strikes.

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