Osasuna and Espanyol are set to face off this Sunday, 18 May, at Estadio El Sadar in a pivotal LaLiga match. Osasuna, currently in 9th place, are chasing a spot in the UEFA Conference League, while Espanyol, sitting in 16th, are eager to distance themselves from the relegation zone and guarantee their survival ahead of the final day of the season. Both teams are coming off recent defeats, adding intensity to this crucial encounter. With Osasuna enjoying the advantage of playing at home and Espanyol struggling in away games, the match promises to be a test of resilience and determination for the visitors.
Recent form suggests Osasuna holds the upper hand. The home team has secured three victories in their last five matches and has scored in each of their last seven games. Conversely, Espanyol is on a three-match losing streak and has struggled on the road, failing to score in six of their 18 away games this season. Osasuna's average of 1.55 goals per home match significantly surpasses Espanyol's 0.96 away goals, a factor that could influence the outcome.
Historical data also leans in Osasuna's favour. They remain unbeaten in their last five encounters with Espanyol, whose last victory at El Sadar occurred in 2016. The most common scoreline in these fixtures is a narrow 1-0 win for Osasuna, indicating a likely tight and defensively focused game. With 17 wins in 38 meetings, Osasuna's historical dominance might provide a psychological advantage.
Key players are expected to play decisive roles. Osasuna's Ante Budimir, with 20 goals this season, leads their attack, while Espanyol's Javi Puado, with 11 goals, is crucial for their offensive efforts. A win for Osasuna could push them into the top 8 and into European qualification, whereas Espanyol need three points to guarantee their survival. This match holds significant implications for the remainder of both teams' seasons.
Osasuna - Espanyol Key Facts
Osasuna have an impressive home record against Espanyol, remaining unbeaten in their last three encounters at home, which is crucial for punters considering their current form and home advantage.
Espanyol are on a dismal run, having lost their last three matches and failing to win in their last four games, indicating a significant decline in performance that could influence betting outcomes.
Osasuna have scored at least one goal in all of their 18 home matches in LaLiga this season, showcasing their consistent attacking threat and making them a strong candidate for scoring in the upcoming match.
Osasuna vs Espanyol Betting Predictions
Primary Bet:Home Win @ 4/5
Osasuna’s impressive home form, coupled with Espanyol’s recent struggles, makes backing the home side at 4/5 the standout choice. Osasuna have secured victory in 9 of their last 18 home fixtures against Espanyol and are currently enjoying a three-match winning streak at home in LaLiga. In contrast, Espanyol are enduring a poor run, having lost their last three matches and failing to win in their previous four. Adding to Osasuna’s advantage, they remain unbeaten in their last three home meetings with Espanyol, which provides a psychological boost. Statistically, Osasuna average 1.52 goals per match at home, significantly outscoring Espanyol’s away average of just 0.96 goals per game. At 4/5, the odds for a "home win" offer excellent value given these factors.
Secondary Bet:Over 2.5 Goals @ 11/10
The secondary bet of "over 2.5 goals", priced at 11/10, is supported by recent trends and a 72.6% probability based on current form. Osasuna have found the net in each of their last seven matches, while Espanyol’s defensive frailties are evident, with the team failing to score in six of their last 18 away fixtures. Although historical clashes between these sides have often been low-scoring, recent patterns suggest a shift towards more open, high-scoring encounters. With both teams prone to conceding, the odds for over 2.5 goals present an enticing opportunity for bettors looking to capitalise on this trend.
