Barcelona host Oviedo in a high versus low clash

By Filip Michov

Barca average 2.7 goals per game in La Liga, while Real Oviedo have scored just 11 goals. in all

Barcelona put the painful defeat to Real Sociedad behind them with a midweek Champions League victory in Prague, a result that keeps them in contention for a top-eight place ahead of the final league stage next week.

But before the visit of FC København, Hansi Flick’s side host bottom club Real Oviedo in a bid to restore some confidence and return to winning ways in the Spanish top flight. The leaders are obviously big favorites but that being said, this is a fixture that could give Flick the opportunity to rest some of his key players.

Real Oviedo’s return to La Liga for the first time since 2000/01 has not gone as planned. They have already changed coaches twice and are currently on a 14-match winless run in all competitions dating back to September last year, when the already departed José Salomon Rondon scored the winning goal at the Estadio de Mestalla, securing just their second win of the season. As well as being the lowest scorers in the league, only two teams have conceded more goals than the 31 they have conceded.

Key players

Federico Vinas is the driving force behind Azules’ bid for safety, as the Uruguayan striker became the first player to score in consecutive away matches in an Oviedo shirt since Julio Dely Valdes in 2000, and the 27-year-old is their top scorer, albeit with just three goals. Additionally, the on-loan striker is the second-highest chance creator (15) behind Santiago Colombatto (16) and one of the best dribblers (2.0 per 90) in the team, earning him an average FotMob rating of 6.89 in La Liga, which could be higher if not for his poor discipline – he’s already been sent off three times this season!

Raphinha continues to deliver the goods under Hansi Flick, with the in-form Brazilian the Blaugrana’s second highest rated player (7.90), third highest scorer (7) as well as big chance creator (6) in La Liga despite starting in only half of their league matches due to injuries. However, with Pedri and Ferran Torres both ruled out through injury over the coming weeks, the captain’s importance will only grow.

Team News

Pedri suffered a hamstring injury in Prague, ruling him out for a month and the Spanish midfield maestro joins Gavi, Ferran Torres and Andreas Christensen on the sidelines, while Dro Fernandez continues to be omitted from the squad amid uncertainty over his future and links with PSG.

Eric Bailly has missed Oviedo’s last two matches with a thigh injury and the former Manchester United centre-back remains a doubt for the trip to Barcelona. Ovie Ejaria is also ruled out, while the rest of his teammates are fit for selection.

Prediction

A Barca victory seems inevitable given the quality and form of their opposition, although a high-scoring match might not be on the cards if Hansi Flick decides to rest some of his stars ahead of this vital upcoming Champions League match.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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