Rotations in sight: Flick prepares several changes for Barça-Osasuna

Hansi Flick will implement rotations again this Saturday in the FC Barcelona-Osasuna match (21:00 CEST in Montjuïc). The match of matchday 27 of LaLiga EA Sports comes less than 72 hours before the return of the Round of 16 in the Champions League against Benfica, a match that UEFA scheduled for Tuesday at 18:45. With little time to prepare for both matches, the coach will have to rely on the squad depth to avoid compromising the future of Barça in the two main tournaments at stake.

In La Liga, Barça maintains a one-point lead over Atlético Madrid and three over Real Madrid. The capital teams will play on Sunday against Getafe and Rayo, respectively, knowing the result of Barça, but also keeping an eye on the derby on Wednesday in the Champions League. Ahead of the rematch against Benfica, the culés also secured a minimal but important advantage, making both matches in Montjuïc present a favorable yet risky scenario due to the characteristics of both rivals.

An alternative defense and possible rest for Pedri

Against Osasuna, a certain change will be the presence of Gerard Martín for Alejandro Balde. The '3' came off 'touched' from Lisbon with an ankle injury and, after Martín's good performance against Real Sociedad last week (he scored a goal), it is very likely he will repeat in the XI. In the center of defense, betting on the duo Pau Cubarsí-Eric García seems reasonable, as the 18-year-old center-back will be suspended for the rematch against Benfica.

Against the Portuguese, Ronald Araujo is expected to be the partner of Iñigo Martínez, although the 'charrúa' could also start on Saturday, considering his need to accumulate as many minutes as possible to regain 100% of his competitive rhythm. And, in midfield, the match against Osasuna seems like a good time to give Pedri a breather. The Canary has been, by far, the best midfielder in the world so far in 2025 and only missed playing in the thrashing of Valencia in La Liga (7-1) due to a flu-like illness.

Another player who should remain in the lineup is Dani Olmo, who was sacrificed in Lisbon after Cubarsí's expulsion. With Gavi not at 100%, the player from Terrassa seems to be ahead of Fermín López in the battle to see who accompanies the culé offensive trident. Nevertheless, the Onubense and Ferran Torres himself may have their opportunity on Saturday, as long as Flick decides to rest Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski. The Brazilian only stayed on the bench in La Liga during the match in Pamplona in the first round, while the Pole was a substitute in three Cup matches and one League match this year.

• The Barça XI in the first round against Osasuna: Iñaki Peña, Koundé, Cubarsí, Sergi Domínguez, Gerard Martín; Eric García, Pedri, Pablo Torre; Ferran Torres, Pau Víctor, and Robert Lewandowski.
• The possible Barça XI this Saturday against Osasuna: Szczesny; Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric García, Gerard Martín; Casadó, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo; Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres.