Real Oviedo vs Barcelona – La Liga: Team News, Match Preview & Prediction

Real Oviedo Team News: Outs & Doubts

The newly-promoted side also faces injury issues ahead of this big clash:

• Federico Viñas (out)
• Álvaro Lemos (out)
• Nacho Vidal (doubt)
• Luka Ilic (doubt)
• Oviemuno Ejaria (doubt)
• David Costas (doubt)

Barcelona return to La Liga action with a trip to face newly-promoted Real Oviedo at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium on Thursday night. Following a dominant win over Getafe, Hansi Flick’s side extended their winning streak to three games in all competitions after the international break and will be eager to maintain momentum.

After a mixed start to the season, Barça remain firmly in the chase of leaders Real Madrid, who are yet to drop points. While the Catalans cannot control Madrid’s form, they can control their own destiny by ensuring they collect all three points in matches like this. Barcelona are the clear favorites heading into this clash.

For Real Oviedo, this is their first season back in the Spanish top flight in 24 years. After nearly going out of business and relying on financial support from former players to survive, the club has risen from the ashes to the delight of its passionate fanbase. However, their inability to spend big in the transfer market has left them with one of the weakest squads in the league.

Oviedo have lost four of their first five games and scored just one goal this season, though that solitary strike gave them their only win – a surprise victory over Real Sociedad. With key players already injured, Oviedo will need a miracle to hold off an in-form Barcelona side.

Hansi Flick’s team has shown no complacency since the international break. To avoid an upset, Barça must take the game seriously from the start, create and convert chances early, and silence the home crowd. Maintaining intensity and focus will be key to securing a comfortable victory.

Possible Lineups

Barcelona (4-2-3-1)

Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsí, Martín; Casadó, Pedri; Raphinha, Olmo, Rashford; Ferran

Real Oviedo (4-2-3-1)

Escandell; Ahijado, Calvo, Carmo, Alhassane; Sibo, Dendoncker; Hassan, Reina, Chaira; Rondón

Prediction

There is a serious gap in quality between these two teams. Oviedo struggle to score, and Barcelona have looked sharp since the break. The only way Barça don’t win is by underestimating their opponents, but Hansi Flick’s men have shown they’re taking every game seriously.

Prediction: Real Oviedo 0-3 Barcelona