The Matchday 37 La Liga clash between Osasuna and Espanyol will take place on May 18 at the El Sadar Stadium in Pamplona. Osasuna vs. Espanyol: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Osasuna
The team surprised in the last round by defeating Atletico Madrid 2-0 at home. Prior to that, Vicente Moreno's side drew away against Real Betis (1-1). The Pamplona team retained their ninth place in the standings and matched Rayo Vallecano on points, although they trail on additional criteria. Their chances of qualifying for the Conference League are high, and there is a slim hope of making it to the Europa League, as they are four points behind Celta Vigo, who are in seventh place.
- In the last eight La Liga matches, the club has suffered only one defeat (4 wins and 3 draws).
- At least two goals have been scored in 6 of Osasuna's last 7 league matches.
- The Pamplona team has won the first half in their last five home La Liga games.
Predicted lineup for Osasuna (5-3-2)
Sergio Herrera – Ruben Peña, Alejandro Catena, Jesus Areso, Juan Cruz, Enzo Boyomo – Pablo Ibanez, Lucas Torro, Aimar Oroz – Bryan Zaragoza, Ante Budimir.
Espanyol
In the last round, the team hosted their city rivals Barcelona and unsurprisingly lost another Catalan derby 0-2. As a result, the club's winless streak in the league has extended to five matches, during which Manolo Gonzalez's side, after drawing with Valencia (1-1), suffered four consecutive La Liga defeats. The Catalans are in 16th place in the table but have a 5-point cushion over the nearest relegation zone rival.
- At least two goals have been scored in 9 of Espanyol's last 11 La Liga matches.
- The club has secured only one win in the second half of their last six La Liga encounters (1 draw and 4 losses).
- The Catalans have won only three of their last 19 away matches in the league (4 draws and 12 losses).
Predicted lineup for Espanyol (4-3-3)
Joan Garcia – Omar El Hilali, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero, Marash Kumbulla – Urko Gonzalez, Edu Exposito, Pol Lozano – Antonio Roca, Roberto Fernandez Jaen, Javi Puado.
Defender Leandro Cabrera is out due to suspension.
Referee
Francisco Jose Hernandez Maeso (Spain)
Matches – 18 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 65;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.7;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 17%.
Match Prediction: Osasuna vs. Espanyol
Theoretically, the Catalan club can still catch up with Leganes, who are in 18th place. Thus, Manolo Gonzalez's side would be content with one point in the remaining two matches to secure their spot in La Liga. However, it's unlikely that Espanyol will earn points in the upcoming match. The team is in poor form and struggles in away league games.
Osasuna, on the other hand, is in good form. In their last eight La Liga matches, they have only lost to Villarreal. Judging by their victory over Atletico, the Pamplona team is clearly aiming for European competition. The remaining two rounds are favorable: besides the Catalans, they need to defeat Alaves away, who might have already secured their place in La Liga and lost tournament motivation in the final match. Additionally, the Pamplona team has won their last three home matches in La Liga, as well as 2 of the last 3 head-to-head league meetings held at their stadium.
My prediction – Osasuna to win
