Xavi Hernandez would be playing his 300th game in the FC Barcelona jersey in today's match against Osasuna. Osasuna lies in the bottom of table and hence this is the clash between the best and worst side of this season. Osasuna has shown some good showing in last few games but it will be too much for them to hold their fort against Barca. But they can take refuge on the fact that Barca has really struggled to overcome teams which are in the bottom three this season. And hence this is not going to be a easy game for FC Barcelona. The key will be the early goal; if Osasuna can go to the break without conceding then they will have real chance to get something out of this game. Pep Guardiola have announced the squad in advance - Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Puyol, Piqué, Caceres, Abidal, Sylvinho, Toure, Busquets, Xavi, Keita, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Messi, Eto'o, Bojan, Henry. Gudjohnsen, Eto, Puyol all returns to the squad. Marquez is suspended for this encounter. But all the eyes will be on two players- first one is Messi, it is to be seen whether he is going to continue his great show against Atletico. The second one will be Iniesta; Iniesta who is back from injury has not hit top form in last two matches.
Valdes should return to the goal eventhough Pinto was excellent in the Copa Del Rey match. Puyol, Pique should form the central defense with Abidal and Alves on each side. Probably Guardiola may go in for an attacking minded midfield with Iniesta and Xavi partnering Toure. Especially when it is clear that Osasuna would be looking to defend it's better to have more creativity in the midfield. Messi, Henry and Eto should form the attacking trio. I don't expect this to be a cakewalk but expect Barca to win it by two goals. My prediction id a Barca victory with a scoreline of 1-3.