Prediction: Osasuna vs Real Sociedad

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to extend on their top-four charge this weekend, Real Sociedad will make the trip to El Sadar on Friday night when they meet Osasuna.

Osasuna

Starting with the hosts, while Osasuna might have entered March’s international break in the midst of an extended struggle, Los Rojillos have come roaring back in some style. Last seen putting in another professional display as they claimed a 1-0 victory away ay Cadiz, Jagoba Arrasate’s now have their sights set on mounting a stunning European charge. Opening up Friday’s showdown at El Sadar sat just three points adrift of breaking into the top-six, the one-time Real Sociedad boss will be looking to get one over on his former employers here. Making a real La Liga statement on April 22nd as they claimed an action-packed 3-2 win at home against Real Betis, Osasuna have now won three of their last four top-flight appearances. Likewise, along with recording back-to-back victories on home soil, it should also be highlighted that Arrasate’s high-flying squad have suffered just a single defeat in Navarre.

Team News

Missing last weekend’s 1-0 victory away at Cadiz after serving a one-match suspension, 33-year-old Kike Garcia will make a return to Arrasate’s squad here. However, dealing with a recent knee injury, Serbian international Darko Brasanac will once again miss out on Friday night.

While 31-year-old Ante Budimir might have drawn a blank in 10 of his last 11 domestic appearances, the ex-Mallorca striker should keep his place leading the line. Bagging the winner away at Cadiz last weekend, Ruben Garcia could make a full return here.

Real Sociedad

As for the visitors, while Real Sociedad might still find themselves leading the chance to claim a famous top-four finish this season, Imanol Alguacil’s side are seeking some recent stability. Last seen putting in a toothless display as they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Real Betis, La Real have recorded just a trio of victories from any of their last 12 appearances across all competitions. With that extended wobble stemming all the way back to a 3-2 win away at Sevilla on February 13th, the Basque-based outfit should at least be excited by a rampant record against Friday’s opponents. Claiming a 2-0 victory when they welcomed Osasuna to the Anoeta Stadium for their reverse La Liga meeting on New Year’s Eve, Sociedad have won each of their last four straight meetings against the top-six outsiders.

Team News

Still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Sociedad will make the trip to El Sadar without both Diego Rico and Umar Sadiq. Likewise, picking up a recent ankle knock, 27-year-old Martin Merquelanz is not ready to make his return on Friday night.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench in last weekend’s 0-0 stalemate away at Real Betis, ex-Manchester City icon David Silva could be set for a full recall here. Despite recording just a single La Liga strike since back on February 18th, Spanish international Mikel Oyarzabel should once again spearhead Sociedad’s charge.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse La Liga meeting on New Year’s Eve, Real Sociedad claimed a 2-0 victory at the Anoeta Stadium.
• Likewise, Friday’s guests have won each of their last four meetings against Osasuna by an aggregate score of 6-0.
• However, including a 1-0 victory against Cadiz last weekend, Los Rojillos have won three of their last four La Liga appearances
• Last seen having to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Real Betis, Sociedad have recorded just a trio of wins from any of their last 12 appearances across all competitions.
• Eight of the last nine meetings between Osasuna and Sociedad have seen under 2.5 goals by the final whistle.

Conclusion

While Real Sociedad might have claimed a 2-0 win when they welcomed Osasuna to the Anoeta Stadium on New Year’s Eve, Friday’s guests should face a rugged test here. Mustering just a trio of wins from any of their last 12 appearances across all competitions, Osasuna could be smelling the chance to spring an upset here. Claiming a 1-0 victory against Cadiz last weekend and now winning three of their last four La Liga outings, Los Rojillos now have their sights set on clinching a famous European spot this season. However, it should be noted, with eight of the last nine meetings between Friday’s opponents finishing with under 2.5 goals, chances could come at a premium here.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet