Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano predictions and match preview for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as the hosts aim for a third win of the season at El Sadar.
| Date | Sunday 4th September 2022 |
| Kick-Off | 14:00 (local time) |
| Stadium | El Sadar |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano Preview
Sunday’s action in LaLiga kicks off in Pamplona where Rayo Vallecano are the visitors to El Sadar. The hosts are aiming to make it three wins from three in front of their own fans as their opponents look to extend a bright start on their travels.
Osasuna’s opening two fixtures were both at home as they saw off Sevilla and Cadiz to set up an unlikely top of the table showdown with Betis at the Benito Villamarin. Although they did lose that game, Jagoba Arrasate’s side showed their metal once more with a strong display and probably could have taken something from a tough game.
That 1-0 loss shouldn’t have dented their confidence too much and they have been boosted this week by the arrival of Ez Abde on loan from Barcelona. The youngster showed himself to be an exciting prospect with some brief appearances at the start of Xavi’s reign but has fallen down the pecking order following a big summer spend at Camp Nou. The best news for Osasuna fans this summer though was their ability to hold onto key men like David Garcia and Jon Moncayola.
As for Rayo, their end to the transfer window was rather more eventful with a late bid to sign Raul De Tomas from Espanyol which was accepted. However they couldn’t get the paperwork through in time so there was no return to Vallecas for their former striker whose capture would have been a real coup given he was widely linked with a move to bigger clubs this window.
Andoni Iraola’s side did look like they could perhaps have done with an attacking boost in their last game against Mallorca where they had 15 attempts on goal without hitting the target once in a 2-0 defeat. It looks like veteran Radamel Falcao will compete with youngster Sergio Camello for the right to lead the line after a potential move for free agent Diego Costa also failed to materialise, with Andoni reportedly against the idea.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Osasuna
| INJURED | Kike Saverio |
| DOUBTFUL | Aimar Oroz, Peña |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Herrera – Cruz, Unai Garcia, David Garcia, Vidal – Torro, Moncayola – Gomez, Aimar, Avila – Budimir (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Jagoba Arrasate
Rayo
| INJURED | Andres Martin |
| DOUBTFUL | Isi Palazon, Diego Lopez |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Dimitrievski – Garcia, Catena, Lejeune, Balliu – Ciss, Lopez – Alvaro Garcia, Trejo, Salvi Sanchez – Camello (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Andoni Iraola
Score Prediction: Osasuna 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
Rayo started the season with two impressive away showings in Barcelona so they won’t fear the trip up to Pamplona. Overall though, Osasuna have a bit more than their opponents and it already feels like they are on a bit of a roll at their atmospheric home. They look capable of putting three more points on the board here.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
