Osasuna vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting Tips (24 November)

Before the break, Osasuna traveled to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu to challenge Real Madrid in a gala display but not only that. Indeed, with 21 points, the Rojillos had the opportunity to come back to the level of the Merengue in the event of a victory and thus become more than ever serious candidates in the race for the Champions League. Except that at no time did we feel able to compete with Real Madrid who were nevertheless injured after their two defeats against AC Milan in the Champions League 1-3 and against Barça in the championship 0-4. Finally, the Basques returned home with their suitcases full 4-0 . Still 5th at the start of this day, Osasuna however remains a solid team, especially in its lair with only one defeat suffered in 7 championship days played at home and above all 5 victories including one against Barça 4-2 .  Opposite, we find Villarreal, who are back in the forefront in this first half of the season by being comfortably installed in the top 4 of the elite with 3 lengths ahead of their opponent of the day.

This therefore says a lot about what is at stake in this game in Pamplona. Above all, we can say that the Yellow Submarine only confirms its renewed energy already displayed since mid-January. Just before the break, Villarreal undermined the Deportivo Alaves team at the Ceramica 3-0 after already a great victory obtained on the road against Valladolid 1-2 . Note that like Valencia, Marcelino's men have a day's delay to make up for. 

The important Kike Barja could throw in the towel today for Osasuna. Absent against Real Madrid, Juan Cruz (6 appearances in the league this season) should make his return to the group. Croatian international Ante Budimir (6 goals, 1 assist) will be there as will Bryan Zaragoza who are two major assets in the Osasuna offensive sector that we have seen too little at the Bernabéu.  At Villarreal, we still see the absences of full-backs Foyth and Pedraza (wounded for a very long time), while recently, it was the unfortunate Akhomach who joined them in the infirmary (end of season).

Defenders Eric Bailly (glitch after glitch) and Kiko Femenia are highly doubtful for this trip to Navarre. Ditto for playmaker Alex Baena, for former Lille player Nicolas Pepe, Terrats or even Ayoze Perez (7 pawns in the league) who has participated in the Nations League with La Roja during the break and who is suffering from a slight muscle fatigue at the time of writing. Impressive for a first season at the club, the Frenchman Barry (ex-FC Basel, 3 goals, 2 offerings in La Liga) will probably be lined up in the eleven.