Barcelona will be aiming to make it five wins from their opening six La Liga matches of the campaign when they make the trip to Real Oviedo on Thursday night. The Catalan outfit will enter the game off the back of a 3-0 win over Getafe, with Hansi Flick’s team now on a three-game winning run in all competitions.
Los Azules are eyeing their only second win of the season and they are seen as big underdogs in Thursday’s encounter. The newly promoted outfit will enter the clash off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Elche, and a tough start to the season which has left them down in 17th spot in the table, boasting only three points from five games as they have discovered how ruthless the Liga can be.
Real Oviedo are competing in La Liga for the first time in 24 years after securing promotion via the second-tier playoffs last season and they have since experienced a tricky start to life in the top flight. Goals have been hard to come by for Veljko Paunovic’s side, who have netted just once after five matches thus far, the fewest in the division.
Though, Real Oviedo have not had many issues scoring against Thursday’s opponents Barcelona as they have made the net ripple in each of their last 12 La Liga encounters, scoring 19 goals in total during this run which is their best against the Catalan club as a top-flight team.
The Blues will be considered as huge underdogs against Barcelona, but they won their last La Liga meeting 1-0 on home soil back in May 2001 and will endeavour to claim back-to-back top-flight victories over the 28-time champions for the first time since April 1961.
Team News
Real Oviedo’s Alvaro Lemos and David Costas will miss the match due to injuries, while Ovie Ejaria is a major doubt for the away side this weekend. Federico Vinas was sent off in the clash with Getafe last time out, and he will sit the game out through suspension.
There could be a change in the final third of the field on Sunday, with Salomon Rondon in line to feature through the middle, while Josip Brekalo is set to feature in a wide area, but Santi Cazorla is again set to named on the bench.
After an outstanding showing in their last game against Gatafe, thet La Liga giants are already getting set for this encounter as seen on their official club website.
Joan García is expected to keep his place between the posts for Barcelona. However, the Blaugrana are missing several key figures, as Lamine Yamal remains out of action with a groin problem picked up during international duty. The young winger has missed the past two fixtures and there’s still no clear timeline for his return.
Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen continues his rehabilitation following back surgery and won’t be available until later in the season. Defender Alejandro Balde is also sidelined after suffering a hamstring issue during training and is not anticipated to return before October. Midfielder Gavi remains an absentee due to persistent knee issues.
All eyes will be on Marcus Rashford, who is expected to start once again after netting twice in his recent Champions League outing as reported by Softfootball against Newcastle and assisting against Getafe. Manager Hansi Flick has commended the English attacker for his sharp finishing and immediate impact since arriving on loan from Manchester United.
Currently, Barcelona boast 10 points from their opening four matches—three wins and a draw—under Flick’s stewardship, showcasing a strong run of form this season.
Possible Lineups
Real Oveido predicted lineup: Escandell (GK); Vidal, Calvo, Carmo, Alhassane; Dendoncker, Sibo; Hassan, Fores, Brekalo; Rondon
Barcelona predicted lineup: García (GK); Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Martín; De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski
SoftFootball’s Prediction
This match is more like David facing Goliath and anything but a routine away win would be a big surprise. In their last meeting at the venue, Barcelona recorded a 3-2 win over Real Oviedo, and going with the Hansi Flick’s team current form, it would almost be a walk -over. A win for Barca for sure.
History suggests that Real Oviedo have the potential to cause an upset against Barcelona, but considering how both teams have started the new season, it is difficult to look past Flick’s team claiming maximum points against the hosts who have struggled in front of goal thus far.
