Barcelona vs Osasuna: Preview, predictions and lineups

Barcelona have the opportunity to extend their lead at the summit of La Liga on Saturday evening when they host mid-table Osasuna.

With title rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid not in action until Sunday, the Catalan giants are able to pile on the pressure with victory at home the previous day. They are currently three points ahead of Los Blancos and just one above Atleti as they aim to reclaim their La Liga crown during Hansi Flick’s first season at the helm.

Naturally, La Blaugrana will have one side-eye on Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 second leg with Benfica after triumphing in the first meeting several days ago. Despite Pau Cubarsi’s early red card, some inspired goalkeeping from Wojciech Szczesny and Raphinha’s second-half strike handed them a narrow 1-0 victory.

Osasuna have been draw specialists in La Liga this season with 12 from 26 outings and they would be thrilled with sharing the points in Catalonia this weekend. Their 4-2 win over Barcelona back in September will offer them belief, even if they remain significant underdogs given they’re 16th in the standings based on away form this term.

Here is Hattrickx’s guide to an important clash for Barcelona.

What time does Barcelona vs Osasuna kick-off?

• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Stadium: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
• Date: Saturday 8 March
• Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
• Referee: Mateo Busquets Ferrer
• VAR: Javier Iglesias Villanueva

• Barcelona: 4 wins
• Osasuna: 1 win
• Draws: 0

• Last meeting: Osasuna 4-2 Barcelona (28 September 2024) – La Liga

How to watch Barcelona vs Osasuna on TV – UK & US

Barcelona team news

Barcelona will be hopeful of Gavi’s return on Saturday night, with the Spaniard having missed victories over Real Sociedad and Benfica with illness – although he was an unused substitute in the former. Dani Olmo, who was sacrificed early against Benfica midweek following Cubarsi’s dismissal, is likely to feature in attacking midfield regardless.

Cubarsi will be in the Barcelona squad this weekend, with his suspension limited to the Champions League. He should start given he’s unavailable midweek.

However, Barcelona will be without the injured trio of Marc Bernal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Andreas Christensen.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Osasuna

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Osasuna (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Osasuna team news

Osasuna have just one absentee for the trip to Catalonia but it’s a notable one, with the influential Aimar Oroz missing with a hamstring injury sustained against Valencia last time out. The 23-year-old scored twice in the 3-3 draw before being withdrawn before the hour mark.

He was the only member of Osasuna’s squad missing from their penultimate training session ahead of the weekend clash, giving Vicente Moreno plenty of options to choose from as his side look to upset the odds.

Osasuna predicted lineup vs Barcelona

Osasuna predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Herrera; Areso, Boyomo, Catena, Cruz; Moncayola, Torro; Ruben Garcia, Barja, Zaragoza; Budimir.

Barcelona vs Osasuna score prediction

Osasuna have shown their ability to cause the division’s top dogs issues this season but their struggles on the road could haunt them once more against Barcelona. Saturday’s hosts are unbeaten in 2025 and have banished their shaky home form since the turn of the year.

Moreno will be hoping that his opposite number rotates his preferred starting lineup this weekend but Barcelona should go strong with a one-goal cushion to protect at home to Benfica midweek. Their usual attacking stars will likely fire them to victory.