4 Osasuna vs 2 FC Barcelona
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| Bet | FC Barcelona |
| Stake | 1.25 unit |
| Odds | 1.56 |
| Bookmaker | 1xbet |
Barcelona eyeing eight consecutive wins in Osasuna clash.
This Saturday at 20:00 [GMT+1], Estadio El Sadar will host an intriguing clash as Osasuna, buoyed by recent home successes, take on league leaders Barcelona, aiming to extend their perfect start to the season.
Osasuna
A goalless draw against Valencia in midweek leaves Osasuna in seventh place, tied on points with sixth-place Villareal, who boast a superior goal difference.
"Despite drawing, we wanted to win, but we really value the work we have done," Vicente Moreno said after the game. "We're doing well now, with 11 points, which isn't bad at all," the manager continued.
Moreno highlighted the fixture congestion, adding, "You have to make an assessment of where you come from; we come from playing on a Monday, then Saturday, and then Tuesday." This schedule includes this weekend’s encounter with Barcelona.
Game week eight’s encounter against Barcelona presents a daunting task for Los Rojillos, who have lost their last six games against this weekend’s opponents, with five of the defeats coming in the league. However, recent home form offers a silver lining going into this clash. The hosts have won their last three home league games and will fancy their chances of extending the streak when they welcome Barcelona this weekend.
Moreno is expected to stick to the familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Moi Gómez, Raúl García, and Rubén Peña in attack.
FC Barcelona
While Barcelona were not at their well-known best, having scored 24 goals prior to Wednesday’s game, they still got the job done with a 1-0 victory over stubborn Getafe.
Robert Lewandowski’s goal midway through the first half proved to be enough to secure a seventh consecutive league win for the Catalan giants. "I’ve been told that it’s normal against Getafe; they’re a good defensive team," said recently appointed manager Hansi Flick after the win.
With the victory, the Blaugrana sit atop the La Liga table, four points clear of title rivals Real Madrid. They are just one win away from matching the record start of eight straight victories set by Gerardo Martino’s Barça side in 2013/14.
"When I started, I didn’t know the record was eight wins," Flick remarked. "I don’t care about records and these things," claimed the German manager. However, he would aim to take all three points when his team travels to Osasuna this weekend.
Barcelona have recorded wins in three of their last four visits to Osasuna and will be looking to do so once again this weekend. Ferran Torres, Raphinha, and Lewandowski could start in attack in Flick’s 4—3—3 formation. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal is in doubt for Saturday’s clash following a bruised ankle sustained in midweek.
In a recent development, the club agreed to a one-year deal with Wojciech Szczęsny as an option between the sticks following an ACL injury to Marc-André ter Stegen, who is ruled out for the season.
Team form
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Team Comparison
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