Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Osasuna have been one of the major surprise packages, if not the main surprise package, in La Liga this season with the Pamplona-based club flying high in the table ahead of welcoming struggling Real Valladolid to El Sadar this weekend.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Saturday 2nd November, 2024 - UK – 1:00pm / US ET – 9:00am / US PT – 6:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Osasuna vs Real Valladolid may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
OSASUNA PREVIEW: FINALLY WINNING AWAY
Over the summer, Osasuna lost manager Jago Arrasate to Real Mallorca with the club, who finished seventh, reached a Copa del Rey final and qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League just two seasons ago, needing to refresh and rebuild with the appointment of former Almeria boss Vicente Moreno.
The home team come into this one on the back of a bright start to the campaign which was continued at the Anoeta in the Basque Country last weekend as they defeated Real Sociedad by two goals to nil. That means they begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting outside of the top five on goal difference.
REAL VALLADOLID PREVIEW: VALLADOLID ARE LANGUISHING
Following promotion to the Spanish top-flight last season, Real Valladolid begin the 12th match day of the 2024/25 La Liga campaign sitting firmly in the bottom three and the relegation places with just two victories in their opening 11 matches and, under the management of Paolo Pezzolano, they have scored just nine goals in the process.
The visitors returned from the October international break with a much-needed but surprising 3-2 win in the Basque Country against Deportivo Alaves before they then suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Villarreal at the Jose Zorrilla. Their most recent outing saw them hammer lower league Astur by four goals to one in the first round of the Copa del Rey.
OSASUNA TEAM NEWS: SOME RETURNS
Osasuna have been performing well without injuries but the hosts have been able to bring back both Iker Munoz and Kike Barja for this one against Real Valladolid.
As two key players, as well as Jon Moncayola, reach full fitness; Osasuna will now be without forward Ruben Garcia due to a slight knock picked up against Real Sociedad.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Sergio Herrera; Jesus Areso, Alejandro Catena, Boyomo, Juan Cruz; Jon Moncayola, Lucas Torro, Aimar Oroz; Ruben Pena, Budimir, Bryan Zaragoza
UNAVAILABLE: Ruben Garcia (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
REAL VALLADOLID TEAM NEWS: DE LA HOZ INJURY
Real Valladolid have a couple of injury concerns for this weekend’s trip to El Sadar with Turkish defender Cenk Ozkacar a doubt due to a hamstring injury.
As well as Ozkacar being a doubt for the visitors, they are definitely set to be without Oscar De La Hoz for a few weeks with him struggling with a back injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Hein; Lucas Perez, Javi Sanchez, Diego Torres, Rosa; Mario Martin, Cumart; Anuar, Amallah, Raul Moro; Sylla
UNAVAILABLE: Oscar De La Hoz (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Ozkacar (Injured)
OSASUNA VS REAL VALLADOLID PREDICTION
Osasuna had only won at El Sadar up until last weekend but, albeit against a Real Sociedad side struggling for any consistency or form, they have now proven themselves to be functional and effective on the road, too. They now face a Real Valladolid side that do appear destined for at least a relegation battle if not definite relegation. Osasuna, especially with their home advantage, should come out on top in this one.
OSASUNA VS REAL VALLADOLID TIP: OSASUNA TO WIN