Osasuna vs Alaves match preview and predictions for Thursday’s LaLiga match. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups ahead of the final game of 2020 in the Spanish top flight.
- DATE: Thursday 31st December 2020
- KICK-OFF: 16:15 (local time)
- VENUE: El Sadar
- COMPETITION: LaLiga
Osasuna vs Alaves Preview
The final game in 2020 in LaLiga comes from El Sadar where Osasuna entertain local rivals Alaves. It may not exactly have the makings of a classic, but it’s a really important match for both clubs given Osasuna and Alaves both look like they will be involved in the thick of the relegation battle this season.
Osasuna are rooted to the foot of the table coming into this one following a severe downturn in form over recent weeks. Their return of just 2 points from their last 8 games is the worst record in the Spanish top flight. One of those points did come in their most recent outing – a 2-2 draw at Elche in a match that Jagoba Arrasate’s side will certainly believe they should have won having twice led and having largely created the better chances.
They are one club that may look to use the January transfer window to try and bolster their squad and increase their chances of survival. Arrasate is still trying to bed in some of his summer arrivals though with Ante Budimir and Jonathan Calleri in the process of developing an understanding up front.
Alaves are also clear relegation candidates but they did pick up a much needed victory last time out. They won a Basque derby against Eibar 2-1 with goals from Edgar Mendez and Deyverson helping them come from behind to claim all three points.
Their last two away displays have been poor though as they’ve gone down to defeats against fellow strugglers Huesca and an improving Celta Vigo. Defensively, Alaves have been pretty solid this season with just 17 goals conceded in 15 games but they need to start carving out more chances if they are going to avoid a relegation battle altogether.
Read all our LaLiga match previews here!
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 4 Osasuna Wins, 2 Alaves Wins.
- Osasuna have won all of the last 3 meetings between the teams.
- They won 1-0 in Vitoria last season and 4-2 at El Sadar.
- Alaves have won on 2 of their last 4 visits to this ground though.
Team News
Inigo Perez is suspended for the hosts while recent signing Jony is an injury doubt.
Rodrigo Battaglia is banned for the visitors while Pere Pons is an injury doubt.
Predicted Osasuna Starting Lineup:
Martinez – Cruz, Hernandez, Garcia, Roncaglia – Garcia, Brasanac, Moncayola, Torres – Budimir, Calleri (4-4-2)
Predicted Alaves Starting Lineup:
Pacheco – Adrian, Lejeune, Laguardia, Ximo – Rioja, Garcia, Pina, Jota – Joselu, Deyverson (4-4-2)
Osasuna vs Alaves Predictions
Score Prediction: Osasuna 1-1 Alaves
It’s hard to see anything other than a tight derby clash and there really isn’t an awful lot to choose between the two sides. Both are likely to line up 4-4-2 and with Osasuna struggling to make home advantage count for much at the moment, we may well see this end up all square.
Osasuna vs Alaves Betting Tips (18+)
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