Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao Preview: Team News & Prediction
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The controversial topic as to whether this is a Basque derby will raise its head as Navarre-based Osasuna, punching above their weight, take on possible title challengers Athletic at El Sadar.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday 21st December, 2024: UK – 5:30pm / US ET – 12:30pm / US PT – 9:30am
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Osasuna Preview: Oscillating Osasuna
Over the summer, things were a little worrying for Osasuna as they lost manager Jago Arrasate to Real Mallorca and replaced him with former Almeria boss Vicente Moreno with some pre-season expectations suggesting they could be involved in a Liga relegation battle.
However, the Pamplona-based club overachieved at the start of the season and they remain in the top-half but poor performances have seemingly caught up to them as they come into this one on the back of a five-match winless run of form in the league.
Athletic Bilbao Preview: Excellent Athletic
Athletic Club won their first trophy in over 40 years with the Copa del Rey last season and their focus this season will be on getting to the UEFA Europa League final at San Mames in May but they are also on the verge of propelling themselves into La Liga’s title race.
The Basque giants come into this one on the back of a 1-1 draw in a Basque derby away at Deportivo Alaves last weekend in their most recent outing. That means, quite remarkably, they are now unbeaten in their last 13 matches across all competitions.
Osasuna Team News: No Bryan Zaragoza
Bayern Munich loanee and Spain international attacker Bryan Zaragoza is sidelined for Osasuna ahead of this weekend due to a foot injury whilst key centre-back Alejandro Catena is missing through suspension for the hosts.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Sergio Herrera; Jesus Areso, Unai Garcia, Boyomo, Abel Bretones; Raul Garcia, Pablo Ibanez, Lucas Torro, Aimar Oroz; Ruben Garcia, Budimir
Unavailable: Alejandro Catena (Suspended), Bryan Zaragoza (Injured)
Questionable: Jose Arnaiz (Injured), Moi Gomez (Injured)
Athletic Bilbao Team News: Genuine depth
Athletic have a lot of depth this season and they have been using that to their advantage throughout this campaign. They are likely to be without former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera but they have no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Oscar de Marcos, Dani Vivian, Yeray, Yuri Berchiche; Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Benat Prados; Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams; Gorka Guruzeta
Unavailable:
Questionable: Ander Herrera (Injured)
Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
Osasuna have been generally entertaining to watch this season but the absence of Bryan Zaragoza has really limited their thrust in the attacking third of the pitch. Their 17 games have consisted of 47 goals despite a goalless draw with Espanyol last weekend. They face an Athletic side that are extremely impressive with an abundance of attacking talent and they will head to Navarre as firm favourites to inch closer to the title race.
Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao Tip: Athletic Club to win
