Barcelona – Oviedo will take place at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere on Thursday night, as the Catalan giants look to keep pace with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

Barcelona enter the clash with 13 points from their opening five matches, while newly-promoted Oviedo have managed just three points and sit narrowly above the relegation zone.

Recent form suggests a stark contrast between the two sides.

Barcelona have scored 11 goals in their last three games across all competitions, including a 6-0 demolition of Valencia and a 3-0 win over Getafe.

Ferran Torres is in excellent form with four goals already, while Dani Olmo has also opened his account.

Historically, though, the Carlos Tartiere has not always been a happy hunting ground.

Barcelona have lost three of their last four away league games against Oviedo, with the Blues managing to score in each of their last 12 La Liga meetings – their best attacking run against the Catalans.

The most recent top-flight encounter in May 2001 ended 1-0 in Oviedo’s favour.

Predictions and tactical analysis

Barcelona – Oviedo carries an intriguing tactical subplot. Hansi Flick’s men are heavy favourites, but they face a side desperate to rediscover scoring form.

Oviedo have netted just once in five league games this season – the fewest in the division – and Veljko Paunovic may be forced into tactical changes, potentially shifting to a back three to stabilize his team.

Barcelona, meanwhile, continue to play on the front foot.

Their attacking depth, even with injury concerns, remains formidable.

Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski offer cutting edge in the final third, while midfield control from Frenkie de Jong and Pedri is expected to dictate the rhythm.

Flick will likely demand focus, especially since his side have occasionally struggled in away fixtures against lower-ranked teams.

Prediction: Barcelona are favourites to secure a comfortable win, with a possible 2-0 or 3-0 scoreline, though Oviedo’s resilience at home means an upset cannot be fully ruled out.

Team news and probable lineups

Barcelona – Oviedo team news brings contrasting challenges.

The hosts will be without several key players: Nacho Vidal (hamstring) and Luka Ilic (ankle) are expected absentees, while Alvaro Lemos, David Costas, and Ovie Ejaria also remain sidelined.

Federico Viñas returns from suspension and could partner veteran Salomon Rondon, still searching for his first goal at the club.

For Barcelona, Fermin Lopez is ruled out with a groin injury, while long-term absentees include Gavi (knee surgery), Marc-André ter Stegen (back), and Alejandro Balde (hamstring).

Lamine Yamal, runner-up in the Ballon d’Or and absent from the last three games, remains a doubt.

Flick may rotate, with the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araújo, Marcus Rashford, and Roony Bardghji pushing for starts.

Probable lineups:

• Real Oviedo: Escandell; Bailly, Carmo, Calvo; Ahijado, Dendoncker, Reina, Alhassane; Colombatto; Chaira, Rondon
• Barcelona: J. Garcia; Kounde, E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin; Pedri, De Jong, Casado; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Torres