Espanyol v Osasuna – Betting Preview
Espanyol Summary
Espanyol comes into this contest in a good mood after getting themselves away from the bottom three places, this thanks to two wins from their last three matches.
The club is sat in a respectable 15th depending on Cadiz’s result on Friday evening. Even if Cadiz lose they are only one point above the relegation zone.
The morale is excellent at Espanyol and their only aim this season is to stay well clear of the relegation zone. For that reason this is a game they will aim to win at home, though considering Osasuna’s form, a draw is not a terrible result.
Diego Martinez Is missing the suspended duo of Oscar Gil and Vini Souz.
Recently signings Gragera and Denis Suárez are ready to make the squad, but neither is considered match sharp. There is hope former Barcelona and Villarreal man Suarez could rekindle his form from several years back and become an asset for Espanol, he is set for a spot on the subs bench here.
The one more likely debutant is keeper Pacheco, it is 50/50 between him and Alvaro.
They are also without the injured Simo and squad men Gori, Pedrosa, and Keidi Baré
Osasuna Summary
Osasuna’s form has dropped off in recent weeks but the spirits remain positive and the objective continues to be a real push for the top six.
Osasuna was credited for a brave and admirable showing in the loss to Atletico last time out, but Jagoba Arrasate will focus on a win here to compensate for recent dropped points.
Their main aim is to stay in the top half of the table, but a victory in this game puts them level on points with 5th-placed Villarreal before their game. Motivation is very good for the side from Pamplona.
Looking at team news now, which is a concern for Osasuna. They remain without right-backs Nacho Vidal and Rubén Peña more, leaving youngster Moreno to get the nod in that spot.
The bigger and new absence is Aimar Oroz, the important attacking midfielder was a late scratch for the Atletico match and didn’t make the trip to Barcelona for this match.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. The slight favourite for this game is Espanyol to win @ 2.60. Osasuna is on the heels of the top six and looks a reasonably big price @ 3.00. There is not a significant amount of difference in quality or styles of these sides, so the draw could also be seen as fairly attractive @ 3.05.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. The punters have the draw no bet (DNB) as a cushion here. So, a bet on either Espanyol -0 or Osasuna -0 would return the stake should it end all square. Osasuna is the outsider in this market @ 2.09. Espanyol is @ 1.79.
Looking at The Under/Over betting last of all. The line is set quite low at 2. Osasuna is the more defensive-minded and so much depends on the timing of the first goal and to whom it goes. Espanyol scoring first should make it the more attractive goal, helping the prospect of a few goals. The Over 2 is @ 1.92 and the Under is @ 1.90.
