The stakes couldn't be higher as Osasuna welcome Barcelona to El Sadar this Saturday at 21:00 CEST. A win for the Catalan giants would put them within touching distance of the La Liga title, but the hosts have their own ambitions—they're chasing European football and sit just two points behind sixth-placed Getafe after a dramatic late win over Sevilla last week.

Currently ninth in the table, Osasuna hold a comfortable eight-point cushion above the relegation zone. However, they'll be without star winger Victor Munoz due to injury. Barcelona, meanwhile, have received a boost with Raphinha and Marc Bernal returning to fitness, but they're still missing their own standout winger, Lamine Yamal. Defensive concerns also loom large for Hansi Flick's side, with Andreas Christensen sidelined through injury and Jules Kounde suspended.

The biggest talking point for Barcelona is who leads the line. MD predicts Robert Lewandowski will start at number nine, while Sport backs Ferran Torres for the role. Both outlets agree that teenage sensation Roony Bardghji is set for his second consecutive start, filling in for the injured Yamal. Eric Garcia is expected to slot into defense, replacing Kounde.

Otherwise, Flick is likely to stick with the same lineup that secured a 2-0 victory over Getafe last weekend. That means Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri, and Dani Olmo will all feature in a formidable midfield setup.

For Osasuna, Raul Moro is expected to replace Munoz on the left flank, while Alessio Lisci will keep a settled side. Ante Budimir leads the attack, with Ruben Garcia and Aimar Oroz providing support from behind. In midfield, Iker Munoz is tipped to start over the more physical Lucas Torro, partnering Jon Moncayola.

Osasuna's form has been mixed—they've won just two of their last eight matches but have only lost once in five. Contrast that with Barcelona's blistering run: nine consecutive La Liga victories and counting. With everything on the line, this clash at El Sadar promises to be a thriller.