Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga match. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups as these local rivals clash.
- DATE: Saturday 24th October 2020
- KICK-OFF: 18:30 (local time)
- VENUE: El Sadar
- COMPETITION: LaLiga
Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao Preview
There’s yet another local derby in the Basque region in LaLiga this weekend. Athletic Club travel to Pamplona to take on Osasuna at El Sadar and they’ll do so in much better spirits after an improved display last time out. They won’t expect any favours from Jagoba Arrasate’s side though in what promises to be a close and competitive game.
Osasuna’s last two matches haven’t exactly been thrilling for the neutrals. Both were also derbies and both ended goalless with Osasuna perhaps content enough to take points from trips to Alaves and Eibar. They will be eager to start finding some positive momentum at their recently renovated home, even though it may still be many months before fans are allowed into El Sadar once more.
As for Athletic Club, there was some genuine pressure starting to build on Gaizka Garitano following three defeats out of four heading into their home game against Levante last time out. Thankfully for him though, his team delivered a much improved display with summer signing Alex Berenguer on target in a richly deserved 2-0 victory.
Athletic controlled that match from start to finish but they will need to be much more consistent moving forwards if they want to make a serious push for European football this season. They may struggle to create as many openings in this particular game though with Osasuna seemingly content with making themselves difficult to beat right now with their selection nightmares up front continuing with new signing Ante Budimir and Jonathan Calleri joining long-term absentee Chimy Avila on the sidelines.
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 4 Athletic Wins, 1 Osasuna Win, 1 Draw.
- Athletic have a terrific recent record on this ground, winning on each of their last 4 visits.
- They’ve scored 9 goals across their last 3 trips to El Sadar.
- Osasuna’s only recent win against Athletic, was via a 1-0 margin at San Mames last season.
Team News
Jon Moncayola is suspended for Osasuna who also, as tends to be the way, have plenty of injury absentees. Their main problems are up top where Jonathan Calleri is out with a knee injury while Ante Budimir has tested positive for COVID.
Few changes are expected from Athletic after such a strong display but they are boosted by the return of Yuri after his COVID absence.
Predicted Osasuna Starting Lineup:
Herrera – Cruz, Aridane, Garcia, Roncaglia – Jony, Perez, Oier, Garcia – Adrian, Gallego (4-4-2)
Predicted Athletic Starting Lineup:
Simon – Balenziaga, Martinez, Yeray, Capa – Garcia, Lopez – Berenguer, Garcia, Muniain – Williams (4-2-3-1)
Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions
Score Prediction: Osasuna 0-1 Athletic Club
Athletic offered more in attack against Levante but neither of these sides have been fully convincing in the final third this season and this promises to be another low-scoring, tight Basque derby. Osasuna are really struggling for any kind of cutting edge up top right now and with a strong record on this ground and fewer players absent, Athletic may just edge this.
LaLiga Betting Tips (18+)
You can view our tips for this match and all the others in the Spanish top flight this weekend by signing up to follow LaLiga Expert for free on Tipstrr. You can view our profit/loss stats and success ratios there.
Please note, we don’t guarantee any long-term gains if you’re backing our tips. If you do choose to bet, only stake what you can afford to lose. See BeGambleAware for more on responsible gambling.
Read all our LaLiga match previews.
