Alexis-Villa dilemma back on the agenda

It has been four years since Barcelona last lost two league games on the trot, and the last time the 'Azulgranas' were beaten at the Camp Nou came against Real Madrid last April. The club won't be taking the clash with Osasuna lightly, but if Jordi Roura's comments yesterday are anything to go by, several regulars will be rested.

Assuming Pedro is given a break, there will be a striking place up for grabs, with David Villa and Alexis Sánchez vying to get the chance to impress. Roura will be faced with what has become a familiar dilemma this season. Sánchez squandered a hatful of clear chances the last time he started at the Camp Nou, in the 'Copa del Rey' first leg against Málaga. More of the same and the crowd could turn against him, which explains why the coaching staff is eager to avoid heaping any more pressure on his already burdened shoulders.

Villa, meanwhile, hasn't started in the league since Barcelona hosted Zaragoza on 17th November. The Asturian striker has shaken off his injury and was named in the squad for the trip to Málaga, but remained glued to the bench throughout, a role Gerard Piqué could be set for against Osasuna. The centre-half will be much needed at the Bernabéu and ran himself into the ground at the Rosaleda. What's more, Puyol was on the bench against Málaga, meaning he could be in line to return and partner Mascherano in the centre of defence.