90min

The Barcelona Lineup That Should Start Against Osasuna

By Charlie Stewart

Barcelona won last time out against Real Valladolid
Barcelona won last time out against Real Valladolid / Soccrates Images/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Quique Setien's side face Osasuna on Thursday night, knowing that failure to win will hand the league title to Real Madrid.

Despite a 10-game unbeaten streak, the Catalan giants have seen their arch rivals create a four point gap at the top of the table with just two games remaining.

Saul Niguez's brace of penalties saw Barcelona drop points
Saul Niguez's brace of penalties saw Barcelona drop points / David Ramos/Getty Images

Barcelona will rue a disappointing June, which saw them record draws against Sevilla, Celta Vigo, and Atletico Madrid. However, July has been more promising for the Blaugrana, registering three wins out of three.

Here is the starting XI that Setien could name to face Osasuna.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Gerard Pique is likely to start at the heart of defence
Gerard Pique is likely to start at the heart of defence / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) - The former Borussia Monchengladbach man made his 150th La Liga appearance against Real Valladolid on Saturday, and has missed only one La Liga game all season.

Nelson Semedo (RB) - Portuguese right-back Semedo has appeared in every single game since the restart. The 26-year old is still looking for his first goal of the season.

Gerard Pique (CB) - An appearance for the Spaniard on Thursday will equal his highest number of league starts in a single season. Don't be surprised to see Pique in the book, however, having picked up 19 yellow cards this campaign.

Clement Lenglet (CB) - Should Setien pick Lenglet, it will be the Frenchman's 50th league appearance for Barcelona. Lenglet is just one goal off equalling his highest tally for a single season.

Jordi Alba (LB) - Aside from the final ten against Celta Vigo, Alba has played every minute since the restart, so expect him to keep his place.

2. Midfielders

La Masia graduate Riqui Puig has impressed lately
La Masia graduate Riqui Puig has impressed lately / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Arturo Vidal (CM) - Despite filling in at left-wing lately, Vidal could drop back to a more familiar midfield role. The Chilean has netted eight times in the league this season - his best tally since 13/14 with Juventus.

Sergi Roberto (CM) - The versatile Spaniard could be dropped in favour of returning Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong. However, with Barcelona's priorities lying elsewhere, expect Roberto to keep his place for the league fixture.

Riqui Puig (CM) - The Masia graduate has widely impressed Barcelona supporters in recent times, most notably in the 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. 20-year old Puig will be hoping to score his first career goal on Thursday.

3. Forwards

Ansu Fati returns from suspension
Ansu Fati returns from suspension / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Lionel Messi (RW) - The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is on the verge of adding another record to his extraordinary career. One more assist will see Messi surpass the La Liga record set by Xavi in 08/09.

Luis Suarez (ST) - The 33-year old will be hoping to notch at least one more La Liga goal in order to avoid his lowest scoring season since joining the club in 2014.

Ansu Fati (LW) - The youngster has had a promising debut season, netting seven times in all competitions. Fati returns from suspension following his red card just five minutes after coming on against Espanyol.