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Horse Racing Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao Best Bet: Betting Preview
The La Liga is heating up at both ends of the table, and our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
Athletic Bilbao’s good run of form continues with the Basque club sitting comfortably in 4th place, while Osasuna have their eyes locked and target on the top six.
The hosts have only tasted defeat once in front of their own fans, while Bilbao are unbeaten in their last six away matches.
Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction 1: Goals underestimated
Spain, La Liga, Sunday, December 21st, 17:30 (UK)
Both Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao will be very content with how their seasons are going, and perhaps objectives have slightly changed to finish higher now we’re at the midway stage of the season.
Osasuna finished 11th last campaign, but have the aim to finish in top six this time round – and are currently only one point behind Villarreal who are occupying that place. Bilbao will be aiming for a Champions League place, and at present they are six points clear of surprise package Mallorca in 5th.
The hosts are five unbeaten at home, while Bilbao are the same on the road, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be a tight tussle. Four of Osasuna’s last five games have seen both teams find the back of the net, which also saw them beat Barcelona 4-2.
Their last two home matches have produced 2-2 draws against Villarreal and Alaves, which is why this looks to be one of the standout games in not only La Liga, but Europe this weekend.
Bilbao will be looking to target Osasuna’s shake defence, and having scored in each of their last five away games, they are primed and ready to do just that.
Midfielder Oihan Sancet is Bilbao’s top La Liga goalscorer with seven goals, who’s able to find pockets of space in and around the box. With the Williams brothers either side of him, and Alex Berenguer keeping the opponent’s centre-backs busy, Sancet has really come into his own this season.
Osasuna’s not-so-secret weapon is their star forward Ante Budimir. The Croatian may be 33, but he’s scored 10 goals in just 17 La Liga games, including five in his last five games – only drawing a blank vs Espanyol on the road last time out. Bilbao will do well to keep him quiet.
The hosts are a free-flowing side at home, and although that has seen them carved open on numerous occasions, it works in their favour having only lost one in front of their own supporters.
Unwilling to take their foot off the gas, this should see the Williams pair spring into life on the counter attack, and of course Sancet will be waiting in the wings for his opportunity in the final third.
Surprisingly, the market is favouring a rather quiet game in front of goal. However, these two sides have met twice in 2024 already, and both teams found the net on both occasions – and that trend looks set to continue on Saturday.
Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction odds via bet365 as at 18:00, December 10th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Moncayola must sit out
Osasuna’s main absentee will be midfielder Jon Moncayola, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Alaves, and is therefore suspended for their clash against Bilbao. He’ll be a big loss in the middle for the hosts, but more than likely Iker Munoz will get his opportunity to step into his role.
Bilbao will look to continue their impressive unbeaten streak, stretching back to 6th October (13 matches across all competitions). With no Copa Del Rey game until next year, the visitors have a week to prepare themselves for this clash, and head into the match with no fresh injuries to be concerned about.
Osasuna possible starting lineup:
Herrera; Cruz, Boyomo, Catena, Areso, Oroz, Torro, Moncayola, Garcia, Bretones, Budimir
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; Boiro, Paredes, Vivian, de Marcos, Jauregizar, de Galarreta, Williams, Gomez, Williams, Berenguer
Match Stats: Goals firmly on the cards
- These two sides have met twice in 2024, and both found the back of the net in both matches.
- Osasuna’s Croatian forward Ante Budimer has 10 goals in 17 La Liga games, including five in his last five.
- Osasuna are the fourth highest goalscorers at home this campaign, only behind Barcelona, Atletico and Real Madrid.
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