Osasuna vs Ath Bilbao Prediction & Betting Tips (21 December)

Osasuna have had a big slump in La Liga since their defeat at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid 4-0. Indeed, since then, the Rojillos have not won a match and above all contracted four shares of points in a row against Villarreal 2-2, on the lawn of Seville 1-1, for the arrival of the poorly classified and neighbor Alaves 2- 2, and without a visit last weekend on the Espanyol field Barcelona 0-0. The residents of El Sadar fell back to 8th position in the elite at the start of this J18 with 1 small point behind the top 6. For its part, Athletic Bilbao is finally present in the race for the Europe and even better, in the title race. Indeed, the Lions are five points behind the championship leader, FC Barcelona, ​​who will play immediately against Atlético, runner-up in the championship.

The big operation is therefore to be done for the residents of the famous San Mamés especially since they have been undefeated for nine days for an excellent accounting record of 5 victories and 4 draws. Last weekend, while traveling to Deportivo Alaves, Bilbao still missed the mark by only taking home a point in a 1-1 draw. That being said, Athletic had slapped Fenerbahce in Türkiye four days prior in the Europa League league stage 0-2. Ernesto Valverde's men have not lost in all competitions since 06/10, a series of 13 matches, 9 wins, 4 draws.

Major absence to be noted at Osasuna, that of the titular central defender Catena, suspended for an accumulation of tarjetas (cards). In addition, there are injuries to important winger Bryan Zaragoza (fractured metatarsal), midfielder Moi Gomez, and Arnaiz. The man in this team is none other than the Croatian striker, Ante Budimir, third in the race for Pichichi with 10 goals, 1 goal more than a certain Kylian Mbappé.   Suffering from a biceps femoris injury, Ander Herrera (ex-PSG) will stay at home this evening (already out for a few matches now).

This is ultimately the only absence to report for Ernesto Valverde who will be able to line up the returning from injury Nico Williams, who is still looking to confirm his excellent Euro with Spain. It's his big bad brother who makes the coffee in the family (4 goals, 4 assists in La Liga + double against Fenerbahce last week). Let's not forget to mention the presence of the Spanish international crack Oihan Sancet (7 goals in the league) or the scorer Guruzeta (4 goals, 2 goals in La Liga).