Live from El Sadar at 9pm local time, we face Osasuna in our final game before the 2 week international break. It’s only our 4th game of the league season and we’re not yet at our peak form just yet. And Osasuna away from home is a very tricky test in itself so its not going to be easy. We do however have some cause for excitement coming into the game following deadline day. Both Joao Felix and Cancelo arrived yesterday evening, completing a season long loan until the end of the season. With both looking to extend their stays at the club with an impressive season in blaugrana. That’s what we’re all hoping for.
Cancelo especially is the one signing that I’m very excited about. We have desperately needed to secure a right back signing. And you can’t get much better than Cancelo. He is the perfect profile of player for Xavi’s system and should hopefully completely revolutionise the way this team plays.
Like for my last few match previews, we’re going to focus more on how we will set up for the game. As we progress through the season we can get a clearer idea of our opponent, but as its only the 4th game, we’ll jump straight into the lineup!
Predicted lineup:
Going into the game vs Osasuna, we are still going to be without Pedri and Araujo, which is a massive blow in itself. But some good news for the squad is the return of Raphinha from suspension. As well as the medical green light for Iñigo Martinez. And of course, we can’t forget…Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo are both straight into the squad list for tonight’s game. Which in the absence of Pedri and Araujo, is a massive bonus for the team. Xavi is also back on the sidelines for the game after his suspension. So it’ll be good to see our coach back where he belongs.
When it comes to the lineup itself, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Xavi go with his famous 4 midfielder setup. However with the arrival of Felix, it does allow us to have a proper inverted winger from the left side who can cut inside and play near Lewandowski. I think out of the two Joao’s, Cancelo is the most likely one to get a start in the game, considering how desperately we need him at right back. After that absolute disaster class from Roberto against Villarreal, we desperately need Cancelo in his place. Felix will most likely come off the bench seeing as he hasn’t even had a pre season with Atlético. So he’ll need time to adapt.
Lemine Yamal or Raphinha?
One other question will be, does Yamal start again vs Osasuna, or will it be Raphinha? Xavi said in his press conference yesterday that he will be managing Yamal’s minutes well so as to not completely burn him out. And that is very important. We can’t have a repeat of Pedri’s first season at Barca where he was just completely rinsed to the bone. He’s still feeling the effects now and we can’t afford for that to happen to Yamal. He has been simply incredible though. One of our best players so far this season and by far the most dangerous player in attack. It’s crazy to think he’s only just turned 16 years old. He’s a special talent. I wouldn’t be surprised if he started the game, and for me, that’s exactly what id do.
The competition between him and Raphinha at right wing is going to be interesting. But that’s exactly what we want. Two quality players battling it out for a starting spot. Whoever starts, we’re guaranteed to see the other make an impact off the bench. Which is what we didn’t have last season.
My starting 11:
Ter Stegen
Cancelo- Kounde- Christensen- Balde
Frenkie- Romeu- Gundogan
Yamal- Lewandowski- Gavi
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