Struggling Almeria aims to secure their first La Liga win this season as they travel to El Sadar to face Osasuna. While the visitors currently sit at the bottom of the La Liga table, their opponents, Osasuna, kick off the new year placed 12th with 19 points.
Match Preview
Osasuna, who finished seventh last season, seems unlikely to replicate that performance this term. They’ve had inconsistencies with five wins, four draws, and nine losses in their 18 matches.
Despite winning against Rayo Vallecano in their recent home game, they stumbled to a 3-2 defeat against Mallorca in their final match of 2023.
Osasuna’s away form has been concerning with four losses in their last five games (one draw). However, at home, they’ve been tougher to beat, securing two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches at El Sadar.
For Osasuna, scoring at home has been a challenge, netting only eight goals in nine home games this season, something coach Jagoba Arrasate will want to address.
Almeria, struggling at the bottom, hopes for a better 2024 after amassing just five points in 18 league games, leaving them 10 points away from safety.
Despite a close loss to Barcelona in their last game, Almeria hasn’t won in their last nine away matches. Their last victory dates back to May, and they’ve lost all six previous meetings against Osasuna across the first and second tiers.
Team News
For Osasuna, Johan Mojica remains sidelined due to a knee injury. Ruben Garcia might return after a hamstring issue, while Chimy Avila could start despite being on the bench in the last match.
Almeria will miss Ibrahima Kone and Luis Suarez due to injuries. Martin Svidersky might not be fit in time. Lucas Robertone and Gonzalo Melero are doubtful.
Houboulang Mendes, Marciano Sanco, and Iddrisu Baba are on international duty.
Predicted Lineups
Osasuna: (4-3-3)
Herrera;
Areso, D. Garcia, Cruz, Pena;
Ibanez, Torro, Gomez;
Avila, R. Garcia, Budimir
Almeria: (3-4-3)
Maximiano;
Chumi, Montes, Gonzalez;
Pozo, Lopy, Puigmal, Akieme;
Arribas, Embarba, Baptistao
Prediction: Osasuna 2-1 Almeria
Despite Osasuna’s inconsistent form, they hold a strong record against Almeria, winning their last six league encounters. Hence, they are favorites to secure a victory in this fixture and extend their dominance over Almeria.