Best odds: 5/9
Bookmaker:
Real Madrid are set on clinching their 22nd triumph in the 2023/24 La Liga season as they head to Estadio El Sadar this Saturday to take on Osasuna.
Sitting at the league s summit, Los Blancos hold a seven-point lead over Girona, who are in second place, whereas Osasuna finds themselves in the 10th spot, trailing sixth-placed Real Sociedad by seven points.
Osasuna
Last weekend, Osasuna entered their clash with Girona riding a four-game unbeaten streak, yet their strong form came to a halt as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against the Catalan side.
This outcome leaves Jagoba Arrasate s team with 36 points from 28 matches in the current La Liga season, placing them in 10th position, trailing sixth-placed Real Sociedad by seven points in the race for European qualification.
In the previous La Liga campaign, Los Rojillos secured a seventh-place finish along with a spot in the Copa del Rey final. However, their performances this term have seen a decline, primarily due to consistency issues.
Osasuna have registered six victories, three draws, and five losses in their 14 home league fixtures this season. They are set to face Real Madrid, who boast the best away record in Spain s top flight this season, having amassed 31 points from 14 matches, including nine victories.
Despite their efforts, the Pamplona-based team has not defeated Real Madrid in La Liga since January 2011. Additionally, they suffered a 4-0 loss to the 14-time European champions in the earlier fixture between the two teams at the Bernabeu this season.
Team News
On Saturday, Osasuna will be missing four players due to injury: Aimar Oroz, David Garcia, Kike Barja, and Ruben Pena, all unavailable for selection.
It s anticipated that Moi Gomez will step in for Oroz in the starting lineup. However, apart from this change, the team is likely to remain unchanged from their previous match against Girona.
Ante Budimir has been in fine form throughout the season, netting 14 goals. He is expected to receive support from Ruben Garcia, who will likely operate from a deeper position.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have been the standout performers in La Liga this season, securing 21 victories, drawing six times, and suffering just one defeat in their 28 matches, amassing a total of 69 points, positioning them firmly at the summit of the league.
Under Carlo Ancelotti s guidance, the team holds a comfortable seven-point lead over second-placed Girona and is eight points clear of the in-form Barcelona in third place. Thus, they currently hold a commanding position in the title race, although there is still plenty of football to be played before the season concludes.
Earlier this month, Los Blancos secured a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals, demonstrating their aspirations for further European success. Additionally, their performance in La Liga last weekend was notable, with a convincing 4-0 triumph over struggling Celta Vigo at the Bernabeu.
Real s upcoming fixture will be at home against Athletic Bilbao on March 31, and as April approaches, they will also have their Champions League campaign to contend with. The prospect of potentially adding Kylian Mbappe to their squad in the summer adds further intrigue to their season s conclusion.
In their recent encounters in Spain s top flight, Real have emerged victorious on their last two visits to Osasuna, including a 2-0 win in the corresponding fixture last season. However, it may worth noting that their sole league defeat of this season came on the road, a 3-1 loss to Atletico Madrid back in September.
Team News
Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and David Alaba continue to be sidelined due to ACL injuries, while Dani Ceballos availability remains uncertain due to a calf problem.
Real Madrid will once again have to navigate the absence of the sensational Jude Bellingham, who serves the second and last match of his suspension following a late red card against Valencia.
Ancelotti is anticipated to shuffle his lineup following the encounter with Celta.
Dani Carvajal, who was rested in the 4-0 victory, is expected to return to the starting lineup as the right-back. Additionally, Toni Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni are likely to reclaim their spots in midfield, with Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga poised to start from the bench against Osasuna.
Conclusion
This probably won t be an easy trip for Real, but they re still likely to do enough to secure all three points against Osasuna.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 5/9
Bookmaker:
