Espanyol ready to face Osasuna: A decisive La Liga clash

On December 14, 2024By Littum

Espanyol host Osasuna on Saturday 14 December 2024 at 14:00 CET as part of the 17th round of La Liga. The match, to take place at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, is crucial for both teams and offers contrasting stakes: Espanyol looking to escape the relegation zone, while Osasuna aims to strengthen its bid for European competition.

The Catalan club have faced significant challenges since returning to Spain’s top football division. They currently sit precariously at the bottom of the table and have struggled to find their footing. With just one win from their last five games, the pressure is mounting on Espanyol. After suffering an embarrassing defeat to Barbastró in the Copa del Rey and another setback against Getafe, where they lost 1-0 thanks to Alvaro Rodriguez’s early goal, morale in the squad is approaching a tipping point.

“Espanyol has just returned to Spain’s top football division, but it will be a challenge to remain among the elite teams,” said one analyst, highlighting the problems plaguing the club.

Conversely, Osasuna have enjoyed relatively positive momentum and are currently 7th in the La Liga table. The club have demonstrated resilience, boasting just four losses during the season and maintaining their footing amid recent challenges. While their form has dipped slightly, their recent 2-2 draw against Deportivo Alaves indicates they remain competitive as they fight for European qualification.

“Osasuna have been playing quite well, but their form has dropped a bit recently,” commented another football pundit, acknowledging Osasuna’s potential to exploit Espanyol’s frailty.

One piece of the puzzle for Osasuna’s success has been their attacking prowess, with the team scoring an average of 2.2 goals per game. away game. They also remain unbeaten in their last four matches, putting them on solid ground heading into Barcelona. This match gives Osasuna not only three points, but also the chance to strengthen their place among the European qualifiers.

Historically, the match does not favor Espanyol. They haven’t beaten Osasuna since 2016, leaving them winless in their last six meetings. An in-depth analysis reveals Osasuna’s dominance with 17 wins out of their last 37 direct meetings against Espanyol. This includes Osasuna’s good away record which could play in their favour.

Recent statistics reinforce the narrative: Espanyol have lost just three home games this season, showing some resilience. Yet their defensive frailties mean they are still bottom and at risk of relegation. The fact is still obvious – Espanyol score an average of 1.8 goals per game. game at home, which when combined with their lackluster defense raises concerns for this game.

With predictions flying fast and furious, many analysts are suggesting this match could end up under 2.5 goals due to Espanyol’s recent struggles. They claim: “The match is likely to end in a stalemate or very few goals scored, reflecting the current forms of both teams.” Nevertheless, some corner evidence suggests that Osasuna can prevail, with estimates ranging from 0-2 to even a 1-1 draw expected.

Given the competitive dynamics at stake, Saturday’s game promises intensity as both teams battle for their respective goals. Espanyol will rely heavily on the morale of their home ground, hoping their fans can boost them over the line. At the back, Osasuna are looking to build momentum and capitalize on their recent form to win.