Barcelona - Osasuna predictions and free betting tips [31/01/2024]

On Wednesday, 31 January, within the 20th rescheduled match of the Spanish La Liga, Barcelona will host Osasuna on their home turf. This midweek game will act as Barcelona's first encounter since the revelation of Xavi's departure as the head coach at the end of the season.

Projected line-ups

Barcelona: Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Pedri, De Jong, Gundogan; Yamal, Torres, Lewandowski.
Osasuna: Herrera; D Garcia, Catena, Cruz; Areso, Oroz, Munoz, Gomez, Pena; Budimir, Arnaiz.

Barcelona

Barcelona could have reached a point of no return after succumbing to a 3:5 defeat against Villarreal over the past weekend. That was the game which seemingly put the final nail in the coffin regarding Xavi's future with the Catalans, assuming a path similar to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, announcing his departure at the season's conclusion.

Discussing the Saturday's match, it's noteworthy the "Blaugrana" were trailing by two goals, then flipped the game in their favour (3:2) courtesy of Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri's goals, but ended up conceding a triple right at the tail end of the duel (3:5). The current champions have conceded a total of 16 goals in a mere fortnight, following their loss against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final. Now, it's pretty clear Barcelona's hopes for a championship in Spain have dwindled, leaving the Champions League as the team's primary aspiration. 

Osasuna

Osasuna cannot boast the results it had in the past two seasons. Pacing at the tournament table's midpoint (12th place), the club from Navarre has a chance to reclaim its 10th spot in case they pull a victory over the crisis-struck Barcelona. It's crucial to highlight that 'rojillos' have managed to better their standings in the league and remained undefeated for three consecutive rounds: victories against Almeria (1:0) and Getafe (3:2), and a draw against Seville (1:1) over the past weekend, thanks to Ante Budimir's second-half goal.

However, the visitors have been struggling in away matches, with two draws and four defeats in the recent six Premier League matches post the triumph over Alaves in October with a total of 14 goals scored and 18 conceded. 

Head-to-Head

Barca has won all of the recent six encounters with Pamplona, including the recent 2:0 triumph in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final.    

Match Forecast for Barcelona Vs. Osasuna

On paper, Barcelona is the clear favourite for the match, but reality paints a different picture. The Catalans are deeply entrenched in a crisis, suffering three losses in the latest five contests across all competitions, and players are befuddled following Xavi's announcement of his departure at the season's end. Furthermore, the squad's rampant injuries represent an opportunity that Osasuna, gathering some good form recently, must only seize. I am therefore wagering on an Asian handicap +1.5 for the visitors.     

Total Goals Forecast

It's alarming: Barcelona has let a whopping 16 (!) goals slip in the previous five matches across all competitions and continues to grapple with defensive issues. I confidently wager on Osasuna's individual total over 1 goal.    

Corner Forecast

Without a shred of doubt, the Catalans will hold greater possession for most of the match and are likely to win in corners with a handicap of -2.5.     

Yellow Card Forecast

Osasuna will try to slow down the game with minor fouls since a draw strategically suits the visitors. Therefore, I place my bet on Pamplona acquiring at least three warnings.

Score Forecast

I will stake on an exact score of 3:2 in favour of Barcelona.