Osasuna vs Valencia Match Preview & Predictions

Osasuna vs Valencia predictions and match preview for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for the head-to-head, team news, predicted lineups and fantasy football picks as Los Che head to El Sadar.

Osasuna vs Valencia Preview

Osasuna and Valencia clash at El Sadar on Sunday in what promises to be a closely contested game between two relatively evenly matched teams. Both sides have made unbeaten starts and it will be hungry to keep that record up for as long as possible.

There was little in the way of goalmouth action in Osasuna’s opening two games as they drew 0-0 with both Espanyol and Celta Vigo. They certainly should have won the latter match and it looked like it was going to be a really disappointing start in terms of results when they trailed 2-1 at Cadiz heading into Stoppage Time on matchday 3.

However things can turn around very quickly in football. 91st and 95th minute goals turned defeat into victory with David Garcia’s last gasp winner transforming a poor start into a very good one for Jagoba Arrasate’s side. They’ve since added Javi Ontiveros to their ranks on loan and he’s another option as they bid to evolve into a team that is a bit more than just the functional, defensive unit we’ve seen in previous seasons.

Valencia are trying to do the opposite to some extent. Under Pepe Bordalas, there are already signs that they are becoming more physical and better organised in the defensive areas of the pitch. Just one goal conceded so far will please the former Getafe boss and they already appear to have a pretty settled back four with new signing Omar Alderete slotting in nicely alongside the reliable Gabriel Paulista in central defence.

At the other end of the pitch, they found their shooting boots last time out, easing to a 3-0 win over Alaves. That included a goal for Carlos Soler who has made a stunning start to the season scoring in his first five matches for club and country before finally failing to net against Kosovo in midweek. Soler is clearly going to be important to everything they do this season and it’ll be interesting to see whether he continues to operate on the right flank or moves inside now Helder Costa has joined with Yunus Musah also an option on that side of the pitch.

Head to Head

• Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 2 Osasuna Wins, 2 Valencia Wins, 2 Draws.
• 5 of the last 6 meetings have seen both teams score.
• Osasuna have won 3-1 in the last 2 meetings at El Sadar.
• Valencia last tasted victory on this ground with a 2-0 cup win in 2012.

Team News

Kike Barja is out for the home team while Ante Budimir is a doubt.

José Gayà is the only real significant doubt for Valencia but they may still be able to name an unchanged XI.

Predicted Osasuna Starting Lineup:

Herrera – Sanchez, Hernandez, D. Garcia, Vidal – Torro – Torres, Moncayola, Brasanac, R. Garcia – Kike (4-1-4-1)

Predicted Valencia Starting Lineup:

Mamardashvili – Gaya, Alderete, Gabriel, Correia – Cheryshev, Wass, Guillamon, Soler – Gomez, Guedes (4-4-2)

Osasuna vs Valencia Predictions

Score Prediction: Osasuna 1-1 Valencia

These are two sides that look at worst solid mid-table outfits and at best possible dark-horses for Europe. Valencia look a much more difficult team to play against already under new management and they will fancy their chances of coming away from El Sadar with a point.

Fantasy Football Picks

• Sorare – Carlos Soler

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