Prematch: Osasuna vs Real Betis

Osasuna Face Tough Task of Reversing Poor La Liga Form Against Real Betis

Osasuna suffered a 2-1 defeat against Rayo Vallecano last weekend, leaving them with only four points from their last five league matches, LLDWL. Los Rojillos fell two goals behind early through an own goal from Adrian Hernandez [40′ O.G] and one from Isi Palazon [43′]. Moi Gomez [66′] made an attempt at reducing Osasuna’s deficit but it wasn’t enough as they suffered their 11th league loss of the season – leaving them 10th on La Liga table with 38 points from 10 Wins, 8 Draws, and 11 Losses. Jagoba Arrasate’s side have had an outstanding home record this season in La Liga, winning 50 percent of games played at El Sadar Stadium while drawing only six times [7 wins, 1 draw & 6 losses]. With hopes of rising up the table, Osasuna must secure home victories against Real Betis this weekend in order to climb higher on the table. Unfortunately for them though, they have won only once against Beticos over nine games [0W, 1D & 8L]; their last victory came back in 2014 [2-1]. Arrasate employed the 4–3–3 formation against Rayo, with Kike Garcia serving as the focal point of their front three. They will likely stick with this formation against Betis this weekend despite losing Ezequiel Avila and Lucas Torro due to injury; Moi Gomez remains suspended. Alternatively, Osasuna could qualify for group stage of UEFA Europa League by defeating Real Madrid on May 6 in Copa del Rey final.

Real Betis Streak to Fifth Place with Double Victory in Five League Matches

Real Betis got back into winning form last weekend with a 3-1 triumph over Espanyol, thanks to goals scored by Ayoze Perez [27′], Juan Miranda [34′] and William Carvalho [69′] as part of their double victory streak across five league matches – DWLLW! After their win on Saturday, Betis have moved within three points of the top four in fifth position with 48 points from 14 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses in 14 matches played this season. They can create history if they extend their unbeaten streak against Osasuna to seven meetings with another victory this Saturday. Beticos have enjoyed success at El Sadar Stadium in recent weeks, remaining unbeaten on their last four visits. Saturday’s clash against Osasuna should feature a 4–2–3-1 formation with Borja Iglesias as an attacking forward; Manuel Pellegrini will have to do without suspended duo Aitor Ruibal Garcia and Sergio Canales while German Pezzella and Youssouf Sabaly will miss due to injuries.