Osasuna vs Villarreal Prediction: Betting Preview

In unlikely territory after a dozen or so games, Josh Ingram oversees two high-fliers in the table with Villarreal travelling to El Sadar to face the side directly below them in a Osasuna vs Villarreal prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

These two have been involved in some high-scoring fixtures already this season, and this should be no different. Osasuna are looking to close the gap to the side directly above them, while Villarreal could create a cushion between the two. The beauty of the selection below is that we won’t be overly bothered with who wins, just as long as the match-up contains goals. 

Osasuna vs Villarreal Prediction 1: Goals Por Favor 

La Liga, Sunday, November 24th, 13:00 (UK)

Fourth meets fifth, which is not something people would expect before the season began. Both have performed exceptionally well this campaign, edging towards a much-desired European spot. One thing they do have in common, despite being next to each other at the table, is that their games usually make good viewing due to the volume of goals. 

Firstly, Osasuna’s games average 2.84 goals per90, and even though they are fifth, they actually possess a negative goal difference. That is partially due to the 4-0 battering in the Bernabeu at the hands of Real Madrid in the last fixture before the international break. Defensively, the Yellow Submarine are vulnerable, with only three clean sheets. Of the 13 league games they have played, seven have gone over 2.5 goals.

Bryan Zaragoza regularly creates opportunities. He has the fourth-highest xA in the league with 3.3 and the joint third most assists with 5, tied with Baena, of Villarreal. Every side needs a goal scorer, and 33-year-old Ante Budimir is that man for Osasuna; off the back of 17 goals last campaign, he followed with six from 11 starts in 2024/25. The Croatian has the fourth-most xG accumulated those season with 5.2, sitting 5th in the scoring charts. 

Villarreal will always bring goals to the table. It’s in their DNA under Marcelino. Nine of 12 league games have overseen 2.5 goals – a rate that is far higher than you would expect for a team sat in fourth. Their fixtures average 3.5 goals, which is the second-highest in the division behind Barcelona. Clean sheets are not a sight they are used to seeing at la Ceramica, with only one to their name, and that was in their most recent fixture against Alaves.

The visitors’ two biggest weapons are Ayoze Perez and Alejandro Baena. Perez has seven goals, while Baena has one goal and five assists. One is the finisher, and the other is the creator. When something good happens in this side, one of, if not, both are involved. Baena has already directly set up two of Perez’s goals. A possible saving grace for Osasuna is that the striker might not be fit enough to start despite scoring and assisting in Spain’s win against Denmark. Perez missed the Switzerland game due to injury. The likely replacement is set to be Barry who has scored three this season and looked a threat any time he’s been on the pitch.

Both sides have a clinical goal scorer and an out-and-out creator, but what they need more than ever are defences that will stop them from conceding as frequently as they do. With all the praise heaped on the attacking talents, it will not be a clash for the respective defences to shine, leading to over 2.5 goals in this one. 

• Osasuna vs Villarreal Prediction 1: Over 2.5 Goals (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10 (TRACKED BET)

Osasuna vs Villarreal Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:00, November 21st, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Osasuna vs Villarreal Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: A glut of injuries for Villarreal

In Osasuna’s most recent training session, Kike Barja did Patril work with the first team and then worked on his specific program to help him back after injury. Iker Benito has been unable to complete the training as he had discomfort in the right adductor. Aside from this, Osasuna will be able to call on a full complement of players. Due to the lack of foreign nationals, few are heading to far-flung destinations for international breaks, with Boyomo being the only one, but it is expected to start. 

Villarreal have lots of injured players, some with slight knocks, who could and likely will play, but if you are counting 100% match-fit players, they have two goalkeepers and 12 outfield players to call from. So it is imperative that players with knocks, such as Álex Baena, Thierno Barry, Kiko Femenía, and Ramón Terrats, are fit and ready to go. As of today, Baena has trained, which is a huge positive since it was confirmed it was not a severe ankle injury sustained on international duty. Unfortunately, it seems Perez will miss the clash with an injury ruling him out until some point in September. 

Osasuna possible starting lineup:
Herrera; Areso, Catena, Boyomo, Juan Cruz; Torro, Moncayola, Ruben Pena, Oroz, Bryan; Budimir

Villarreal possible starting lineup:
Conde; Femenia, Costa, Albiol, Cardona; Comesana, Parejo, Yeremi, Gueye, Baena, Barry

Match OPTA Stats: Both sides in their favoured environments home and away

• Villarreal hasn’t lost in the past four meetings between the two, with the last loss being over two years ago.
• Osasuna has the second-best home form in the division, with 16 points taken after seven games.
• It’s a similar story with Villarreal, but regarding their away form, they have the second-best away form.

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