Osasuna vs. Rayo Vallecano Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 19 January 2025 - bettingexpert
All eyes will be on Estadio El Sadar this Sunday as Osasuna and Rayo Vallecano face off in what promises to be a closely contested LaLiga clash. With both teams sitting on 25 points, this encounter is significant for mid-table positioning, providing each side with an opportunity to separate themselves from their rivals.
Osasuna, currently in 11th place, come into the game having earned just 3 points from their last five matches (WLWLD). Conversely, Rayo Vallecano, in 9th place, have managed 9 points in the same period (LWWDD), showcasing better form heading into the encounter.
Vicente Moreno’s squad will rely on their key man Ante Budimir, who has netted 10 goals this season. In light of the team’s goal-scoring struggles lately, they will need his prowess. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano, led by Iñigo Pérez, look to Jorge de Frutos, their top scorer with 4 goals, to make the difference.
The match referee, Alejandro Muniz, is known for awarding penalties — 6 in his last 9 games, which could be a decisive factor here.
Given the balanced stats and recent form, our prediction is for Rayo Vallecano to either win or draw. This match is poised to be very tight, with the visiting side having a slight edge in recent performances.
Make sure to tune in at 17:30 for what should be an intriguing LaLiga showdown!
Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction & Betting Tip
| Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Rayo Vallecano to win or draw | 1.7 |
- Similar Form: Both teams have nearly identical records with 6 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses, making this match a tight contest.
- Recent Performance: Rayo Vallecano are unbeaten in their last 5 matches, showing better recent form than Osasuna.
- Osasuna’s Home Scoring: Despite Osasuna scoring in 90% of their home games, their recent form has been shaky with only 3 points from the last 5 matches.
Given the stats, a win or draw for Rayo Vallecano seems a practical bet in this evenly matched contest.
Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano Odds
| Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Osasuna | 2.18 |
| Draw | 3.07 |
| Rayo Vallecano | 3.65 |
Osasuna come into this match as the bookmakers’ favorite, albeit with relatively close odds.
A draw offers a decent return, and given the identical records of both teams, it might be a popular bet.
Rayo Vallecano’s odds are compelling for punters seeking a higher reward, especially considering their unbeaten streak.
Choose wisely!
Osasuna Team Analysis
Osasuna Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Club | Osasuna | 2-3 (Win) |
| Atletico Madrid | Osasuna | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Tenerife | Osasuna | 1-2 (Win) |
| Osasuna | Athletic Club | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Espanyol | Osasuna | 0-0 (Draw) |
Osasuna’s recent form has had its ups and downs, encapsulated by a WLWLD record over the last five matches.
With an average of 1.20 goals scored per game and just one clean sheet in their last five, consistency seems to be an issue for Vicente Moreno’s squad. Their performance at home has been strong, with goals in 90% of their home games this season.
As one of the bookmaker favorites, Osasuna will look to leverage their home advantage to clinch the win.
Osasuna Key Players
Osasuna’s strength lies in their balanced squad and solid formation. Key players to watch will include Ante Budimir, the team’s top scorer with 10 goals this season. His ability to find the net makes him a constant threat, and much will depend on how well he pairs up with the likes of Rubén GarcÃa and Aimar Oroz on the wings.
Midfield dynamo Jon Moncayola is another crucial figure, orchestrating plays and providing defensive cover. Lucas Torró will partner with him in the defensive midfield role, adding a layer of security.
Expected lineup for Osasuna:
- Goalkeeper: Aitor Fernandez
- Defenders: Jesús Areso, Alejandro Catena, Flavien Boyomo, Abel Bretones
- Midfielders: Jon Moncayola, Lucas Torró, Rubén GarcÃa, Moi Gómez, Aimar Oroz
- Forward: Ante Budimir
Individual battles to keep an eye on include Budimir vs Rayo’s centre-backs, and Moncayola’s midfield tussle with Oscar Valentin.
Osasuna Suspensions & Injuries
Osasuna are dealing with several injury concerns, which could significantly impact their performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Bryan Zaragoza | Metatarsal fracture | Late February 2025 |
| Ruben Peña | Virus | Doubtful |
| Enrique Barja | Physical discomfort | Doubtful |
| Iker Muñoz | Muscle injury | Late January 2025 |
These injuries create gaps in the squad, particularly affecting depth and options for Coach Vicente Moreno. Bryan Zaragoza’s absence in attack could impact their offensive thrust, while doubts over Peña and Barja add uncertainty to their lineup stability. Osasuna will need other squad members to step up, especially in forthcoming matches, to maintain their competitive edge.
Osasuna Tactics and Formation
Osasuna Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Ante Budimir
- Midfield Trio: Rubén GarcÃa, Moi Gómez, Aimar Oroz
- Defensive Pairing: Alejandro Catena and Flavien Boyomo
- Recent Achievement: Narrow victory against Athletic Club, showcasing resilience
Osasuna is expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provides balance and allows them to adapt their play based on the game’s flow. Ante Budimir will spearhead the attack, supported by an agile and creative midfield trio capable of quick transitions.
Defensively, Catena and Boyomo bring stability, though their single clean sheet in the last five matches suggests room for improvement. Their tactical focus will likely involve leveraging Budimir’s scoring prowess, as well as the wingers’ pace to exploit Rayo Vallecano’s defensive inconsistencies, especially late in the game.
Rayo Vallecano Team Analysis
Rayo Vallecano Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad | Rayo Vallecano | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Rayo Vallecano | Celta Vigo | 2-1 (Win) |
| Ferrol | Rayo Vallecano | 1-3 (Win) |
| Real Betis | Rayo Vallecano | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Villarreal | Rayo Vallecano | 1-1 (Draw) |
Rayo Vallecano have shown resilient and competitive form in their last five matches, with a record of two wins, two draws, and one loss. Their recent victories against Celta Vigo and Ferrol highlight their attacking prowess, where they averaged 1.6 goals per game. However, they haven’t managed any clean sheets, indicating a need for more defensive solidity. Even though their last match against Real Sociedad ended in a loss, their unbeaten run in the previous four games will boost their confidence heading into this encounter.
Rayo Vallecano Key Players
Expected lineup for Rayo Vallecano:
- Goalkeeper: Augusto Batalla
- Defenders: Andrei Florin RaÈ›iu, Florian Lejeune, Khalid Abdul Mumin, Pep ChavarrÃa
- Midfielders: Jorge de Frutos, Óscar ValentÃn, Unai López Cabrera, Adrián Embarba
- Attackers: Sergio Camello, Isi Palazón
Jorge de Frutos stands out as a key player with 4 goals this season and his dynamic play on the right wing.
The midfield will rely heavily on Óscar ValentÃn‘s controlling presence to break up Osasuna’s attacks.
Watch for the matchup between Rayo’s Sergio Camello and Osasuna’s defenders like Alejandro Catena, which could be decisive for Rayo’s attack.
De Frutos’ creativity and Camello’s finishing will be crucial if Rayo is to penetrate Osasuna’s defense.
Rayo Vallecano Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Raúl de Tomás | Illness | Back in training |
| Pelayo Fernández | Hamstring Injury | Late January 2025 |
| Augusto Batalla | Knee injury | Doubtful |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
| —————– | ——————- | ———————– |
| Pathé Ciss | Yellow cards | 1 match left |
Rayo Vallecano have a few key players sidelined, with Raúl de Tomás just recently returning to training after an illness. Augusto Batalla’s doubtful status due to a knee injury could be a significant blow, as the goalkeeper position is crucial.
Midfielder Pathé Ciss’s suspension may disrupt the team’s rhythm in the middle of the park, affecting their ability to control the game. The team will need to rely on their depth to overcome these challenges.
Rayo Vallecano Tactics and Formation
Rayo Vallecano’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forward: Jorge de Frutos, who has netted 4 goals this season
- Midfield Combatants: Óscar ValentÃn and Unai López Cabrera will be central in controlling the game against Osasuna.
- Defensive Stability: Despite conceding some goals lately, their defensive line, led by Florian Lejeune, is experienced and sturdy.
- Notable Strategy: Rayo Vallecano focuses on strong attacking plays, particularly in the second half, but they have conceded the most goals in the final 15 minutes of their games.
Expect them to leverage Jorge de Frutos heavily on the right wing to exploit any gaps in Osasuna’s defense.
Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano Head-to-Head Statistics
As there is no head-to-head information available, it appears that Osasuna and Rayo Vallecano have not played against each other in their last five matches.
This upcoming encounter promises to be intensely competitive and intriguing, as both teams have similar records and identical points in the standings. Keep an eye on the top scorers: Ante Budimir for Osasuna and Jorge de Frutos for Rayo Vallecano, who are expected to be pivotal in breaking the deadlock.
Odds accurate as of 17 January 2025 17:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
