Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano Preview: Team News & Prediction
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We have a clash between two sides that have both surprised many with UEFA Europa Conference League qualifications in recent years as Osasuna face Rayo Vallecano.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Osasuna preview: Lisci's Osasuna
Last summer, Osasuna lost manager Jago Arrasate. They replaced him with Vicente Moreno and, despite a reasonable campaign in which they finished firmly in the middle-of-the-table, he had made his mind up early on that he would be leaving Pamplona at the end of the campaign, with Osasuna rebuilding once again.
They have replaced him with former Mirandes boss Alessio Lisci, with the Italian leading the minnows beyond expectation to the Segunda playoff final last season. A rough and rugged style, perfect for the region of Navarre, Osasuna have started this season with one win and two defeats, with those three games consisting of just three goals.
Rayo Vallecano preview: European Rayo
Rayo Vallecano appointed Inigo Perez mid-way through the 2023/24 campaign and he guided them to a mid-table finish. Andoni Iraola's former assistant then cultivated a high energy pressing team once again that managed to finish eighth and qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League last season.
With a small squad, a low budget and a very intense style of football, Rayo may struggle to deal with Europe and domestic commitments this season but, at least in the early part of the campaign, they are remaining energetic and on the front foot, as displayed by being by far the better side in a 1-1 draw with defending champions Barcelona a couple of weeks ago.
Osasuna team news: Nothing fresh
There are no fresh injury concerns for this one, but Abel Bretones has returned from suspension, whilst winger Moi Gomez is still unavailable due to a hamstring injury.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Sergio Herrera; Boyomo, Alejandro Catena, Juan Cruz; Rosier, Lucas Torro, Iker Munoz, Jon Moncayola; Victor Munoz, Aimar Oroz; Budimir
Unavailable: Moi Gomez (Injured)
Questionable:
Rayo Vallecano team news: Still no Mumin
Despite the state of the pitch at Vallecas, there are no fresh injuries for Rayo to deal with, with only centre-back Abdul Mumin, dealing with an ACL injury, remaining sidelined.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Augusto Batalla; Ratiu, Luiz Felipe, Lejeune, Pep Chavarria; Jorge de Frutos, Unai Lopez, Ciss, Alvaro Garcia; Isi Palazon, Nteka
Unavailable: Mumin (Injured)
Questionable:
Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano prediction
This is a clash of styles between the sophisticated organisation and defensive reactivity of Osasuna, up against the sophisticated organisation of an intense pressure put on by Rayo. However, even with their attacking intent, Rayo rarely rack up a score and Osasuna can blunt the best in Spain, so a low-scoring affair seems very likely at El Sadar this weekend.
Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano tip: Under 2.5 goals
