Preview: Barcelona wants to set the tone for the upcoming El Classico
Gerardo Martino's side is starting to get somewhat healthier, and it could not have come at a better time. As the Catalans prepare to take on Osasuna at El Sadar, they will likely be thinking of their upcoming matches against AC Milan and Real Madrid.
El Classico always generates plenty of hype and media attention, but if Barcelona is able to defeat Osasuna, they will head into the match against Madrid with the chance of surpassing their record of a nine match win streak.
What a better way to set a record, than against your rival, and on your home turf?
But before they can focus on that, they will need to get past an Osasuna side that is struggling.
Javi Garcia's squad is currently 18th in the La Liga standings, with only two wins and six defeats. Their latest victory over Malaga will give them a lift heading into Saturday's match.
With a few injury concerns for the hosts, goalkeeper Andres Fernandez believes Los Rojillos can cause an upset against the league leaders.
"They are Barca, we know it will be difficult, that nothing will be easy, and that they can hurt us in just two passes," he told reporters. "We will have to work hard, but at home we can hurt them. Here we are capable of taking points against any opponent and we are working towards that," Fernandez added.
The hosts will be without Alvaro Cejudo who is suspended. In addition, Raoul Loe (thigh), Roberto Torres (head), Echaide (knee), Miguel Flano (collarbone) and Nino (knee) are all injury concerns for Osasuna.
Regardless of who Osasuna puts out on the pitch, Gerardo Martino's strategy will not change, as he looks to guide his side to a perfect ninth consecutive victory. Coming off a 4-1 win over Valladolid at home, Barcelona will want to keep things rolling in the right direction on Saturday.
With the return of Lionel Messi, who missed the club's last two fixtures, along with Argentina's final two qualification matches, they should have a good shot at continuing their current run of form.
Adding to the possible list of players for this match will be Javier Mascherano, who is expected to return after missing some time with a thigh injury. Another new name on the teamsheet could possibly be Carles Puyol, who is set to return to action after a prolonged knee injury.
The Spanish international could sit this match out, but that depends on whether or not Martino believes he is fit. Jordi Alba (thigh), Afellay (knee) and Cuenca (knee) are also likely to miss this match.
Barcelona will be looking to continue their dominance over Osasuna, as they have defeated Los Rojillos five out of their last six meetings in all competitions.
Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Osasuna vs Barcelona live on Saturday, October 19, 2013:
In the UK at 19:00 BST on: Sky Sports 3/HD, Sky Go UK, NOW TV powered by Sky
In the USA at 14:00 ET on: SiriusXM FC, beIN Sport en Espanol, beIN Sport USA, beIN Sport Play
For fans in Spain, you can follow this match live on Canal +1 / HD / 30. If you are outside of these viewing areas, be sure to visit the Osasuna vs Barcelona match page for full TV listings.
