Starting XI for the postponed Osasuna game provides hints on how Barcelona will line-up against Benfica | OneFootball

FC Barcelona were unable to play their La Liga match last Saturday because of the tragic death of one of their first-team doctors, Dr. Carles Minarro, in the team hotel only hours before they were set to play against Osasuna.

Both teams were fully prepared for this game and had even arrived at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium for the match before it was decided to postpone it.

The Blaugrana side had already released their starting XI for this game. While this list ultimately did not end up having much of an impact on the night, Diario AS notes it still provides some indications about the team that Hansi Flick will field for the upcoming crucial game against Benfica in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.

The starting eleven that was to play against Osasuna was composed of Szczesny; Koundé, Eric, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín; Casadó, Gavi, Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha.

Thus, there were 2 changes in the backline, 2 in the midfield, and another 1 in the forward line from the ideal starting XI that Flick usually picks for his Barcelona side.

Eric Garcia was set to replace Inigo Martinez, while Gerard Martin was to rotate with Alejandro Balde to provide the latter with a rest after he finished the first leg against Benfica with discomfort in the ankle.

In the midfield, Marc Casado and Gavi were set to rest Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, while in the forward line, Ferran Torres would have replaced Robert Lewandowski, as the Pole was not even named in the squad list for the Osasuna game.

Thus, for the second leg against Benfica, Szczesny would retain his place in the goal, while Ronald Araujo will play instead of Pau Cubarsi, who is suspended following his red card in the first leg. Inigo Martinez and Alejandro Balde, who will be in perfect condition for this match, will complete the backline.

In the midfield, the starting eleven list will see the returns of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, while Dani Olmo will take the attacking midfield spot after he had to leave the pitch early in the first leg as Flick needed to shake his team up to adjust to the new conditions after Cubarsi’s expulsion.

The forward line will be composed of the deadly trio of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal.