{"id":15623,"date":"2026-05-02T10:38:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T10:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/15623\/"},"modified":"2026-05-02T10:38:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T10:38:16","slug":"gavi-ferran-start-in-a-4-2-3-1-how-barcelona-can-line-up-against-osasuna","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/15623\/","title":{"rendered":"Gavi, Ferran start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Osasuna"},"content":{"rendered":"

Barcelona are closing in on the La Liga title, and this weekend could prove decisive as they travel to Estadio El Sadar to face Osasuna<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Catalan side have built a commanding lead at the top, and the finish line is now clearly in sight.<\/p>\n

With Hansi Flick at the helm, Barcelona have opened up an 11-point gap over Real Madrid, putting them in complete control of the title race.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While the hosts have a European spot to play for, history favours Barcelona, who have dominated this fixture over the years, including the 2-0 win back in December.<\/p>\n

As such, it must be noted that Barcelona could be crowned champions this weekend, but only if results go their way.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A win in Pamplona would take them to 88 points, and they would then need Real Madrid to drop points against Espanyol.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It sets up a scenario where Barcelona can do their part first and then wait for confirmation.<\/p>\n

On that note, lets take a look at how the team can lineup later today.<\/p>\n

Defence<\/p>\n

\"\"Joan Garcia will be playing for a major personal honour. (Photo by Alex Caparros\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

At the back, Flick is expected to make only minimal adjustments.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In goal, Joan Garcia remains a guaranteed starter. His consistency this season has been vital, and with the Zamora Trophy within reach<\/a>, there is no reason to rotate.<\/p>\n

The only forced change comes at right-back. Jules Kounde is unavailable due to suspension, which opens the door for Eric Garcia to step in.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Spaniard has proven to be a reliable option across multiple roles, and this is another opportunity for him to deliver.<\/p>\n

In central defence, Flick is expected to stick with the trusted pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Both have shown composure and understanding, which has helped Barcelona maintain control in crucial matches.\u00a0<\/p>\n

On the left, Joao Cancelo should continue, offering both defensive cover and attacking width.<\/p>\n

Midfield<\/p>\n

Barcelona\u2019s midfield has found a strong rhythm in recent weeks, and Flick is unlikely to disrupt it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The combination of Gavi and Pedri provides creativity and control, while Dani Olmo operates further forward to link play and support the attack.<\/p>\n

This setup worked effectively in the recent win over Getafe, and Flick will be keen to maintain that balance as the team looks to secure another important result.<\/p>\n

Attack<\/p>\n

\"RobertFerran could come in for Lewandowski against Osasuna. (Photo by Stuart Franklin\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

In the final third, there may be one notable adjustment.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fermin Lopez is expected to start on the left again, offering energy and helping the midfield stay compact.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It must be noted that Raphinha will receive the medical green light<\/a> for his clash, but he is unlikely to feature from the start.<\/p>\n

On the right, Roony Bardghji could be given another nod in the absence of the first-choice option, Lamine Yamal.<\/p>\n

The biggest decision comes through the middle. Flick could be considering starting Ferran Torres ahead of Robert Lewandowski.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ferran\u2019s movement and pressing could suit the tactical approach for this match, especially against a side that tends to defend deep.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Barcelona are closing in on the La Liga title, and this weekend could prove decisive as they travel…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15624,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[92,223,325,1146],"class_list":{"0":"post-15623","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-barcelona","8":"tag-barcelona","9":"tag-fc-barcelona","10":"tag-featured","11":"tag-osasuna"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15623","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15623"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15623\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15624"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15623"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15623"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15623"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}