La Liga: Barcelona v Osasuna Preview

Saturday, 17 September

Barcelona v Osasuna

Nou Camp

Kick-off: 1900 BST

Barcelona will hope to return to winning ways on Saturday when they host undefeated Osasuna at the Nou Camp.

Twice in the past week, Barca coach Pep Guardiola has seen defensive mistakes cost his side victories but they face a tough test against buoyant Osasuna.

Last week's 2-2 draw at Real Sociedad was followed by a 2-2 draw with AC Milan in their opening Champions League group game, but captain Carles Puyol has dismissed suggestions his side are struggling to match last season's form.

The Catalans started the season by winning the Spanish Supercopa and the UEFA Super Cup to add to last season's league and European double and Puyol insists the players and staff at Camp Nou are unconcerned by the club's recent form.

"We are fine and we are not listening to what people are saying from outside the club," the Spaniard said. "The team was frustrated and it left a bad taste in the mouth but we have already turned the page.

"Before we were not the best and now we are not the worst. We want to win as much as ever but it is true that we need to be concentrated especially at set-plays. We need to ensure that the opposition don't get the ball and they don't score."

Puyol is expected to return to the starting line-up to face Osasuna on Saturday, with Sergio Busquets partnering him in defence in the continued absence of Gerard Pique.

Andres Iniesta (hamstring) and Alexis Sanchez (thigh) are also side-lined.

Prediction: Barcelona 3 2 Osasuna

Barcelona probable XI: Valdes; Abidal, Busquets, Puyol, Mascherano; Xavi, Fabregas; Pedro, Villa, Messi.