Espanyol vs Osasuna Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Following their promotion back to the top-flight last season, Espanyol have endured a very difficult start to the campaign as they now welcome high flying Osasuna to the weekend.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday 14th December, 2024: UK – 1:00pm / US ET – 8:00am / US PT – 5:00am
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Espanyol vs Osasuna may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Espanyol Preview: Pressure on Manolo
Luis Garcia guided Espanyol to the top-flight of Spanish football via the playoffs last season before then departing to become Tintin Marquez’ assistant coach with Qatar. Former B team coach Manolo Gonzalez was appointed but the pressure is now growing on him this week.
The Catalans begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting in the bottom three and the relegation places. Their most recent outing saw them beaten by a limited Getafe side by a goal to nil last week thanks to an eighth minute strike from Uruguayan striker Alvaro Rodriguez.
Osasuna Preview: Overperforming expectations
Over the summer, Osasuna lost manager Jago Arrasate, who had performed extremely well in charge of the Pamplona-based club and fears of a struggle when former Almeria boss Vicente Moreno was appointed were rife but they are instead pushing towards European qualification.
In contrast to the Catalans, Osasuna are starting this match day looking to push for UEFA competition qualification as they begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting tucked inside the top seven. They most recently shared a 2-2 draw with Deportivo Alaves at El Sadar.
Espanyol Team News: Kumbulla suspension
The hosts have been dealing with several experienced injury issues with defender Fernando Calero sidelined alongside midfield duo Jose Gragera and Edu Exposito. Former Roma defender Marash Kumbulla is also still unavailable due to suspension.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Joan Garcia; El Hilali, Sergi Gomez, Leandro Cabrera, Brian Olivan; Pol Lozano; Jofre Carreras, Kral, Smith, Javi Puado; Irvin Cardona
Unavailable: Kumbulla (Suspended), Fernando Calero (Injured), Jose Gragera (Injured), Edu Exposito (Injured)
Questionable:
Osasuna Team News: No Bryan Zaragoza
Bayern Munich loanee and Spain international attacker Bryan Zaragoza has been very impressive for Osasuna this season but he is still out injured with a foot injury, whilst Jose Manuel Arnaiz is unavailable due to a hamstring issue.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sergio Herrera; Jesus Areso, Alejandro Catena, Boyomo, Juan Cruz; Jon Moncayola, Lucas Torro; Ruben Garcia, Aimar Oroz, Abel Bretones; Budimir
Unavailable: Jose Arnaiz (Injured), Bryan Zaragoza (Injured)
Questionable:
Espanyol vs Osasuna Prediction
In their 15 matches so far this season, Espanyol have scored just 15 goals with 40% of those goals coming in just two games and over 50% coming in just three matches. They have suffered six defeats in their last eight matches across all competitions as they now prepare to take on an Osasuna side that have been entertaining to watch at both ends of the pitch but have been reliant on home advantage for results. It could be a good value bet to suggest Espanyol will get themselves a goal in an entertaining clash at the RCDE Stadium.
Espanyol vs Osasuna Tip: Both teams to score
