Match Overview

The La Liga Matchday 3 fixture between Espanyol and Osasuna is scheduled for August 31 at the Cornellà-El Prat stadium in Barcelona. This comprehensive preview offers a unique prediction, analysis of odds, and key statistics for the encounter.

Espanyol: Team Form and Recent Performance

Current League Standings

The Catalan side enters this match on an impressive three-game unbeaten streak in the championship. They wrapped up the previous season with a solid 2-0 home victory over Las Palmas. Their new campaign also started successfully, as they managed to overcome Atlético with a 2-1 scoreline on their home turf. In the last round, the club secured a 2-2 draw away against Real Sociedad. Consequently, with 4 points, the team currently sits in 7th position.

Espanyol’s Key Statistics

• Espanyol has secured only 2 wins in their last 9 La Liga encounters (with 2 draws and 5 losses).
• A minimum of two goals has been scored in 7 consecutive league matches involving the club.
• At home, the Catalans have remained unbeaten in 12 of their last 14 Primera Division games (recording 6 wins and 6 draws).

Espanyol Predicted Starting Lineup (4-4-2)*

Marko Dmitrovic – Omar El Hilali, Miguel Lestán, Carlos Romero, Leandro Cabrera – Pere Milla, Edu Expósito, Pol Lozano, Thiris Dolan – Roberto Fernández Jaén, Javi Puado.

Osasuna: Team Form and Approach

Consistent Play and Recent Results

The Pamplona-based team has been playing in their usual consistent style, without any major surprises thus far. In the first round, Alessio Lisci’s squad nearly snatched points from Real Madrid on their home ground but ultimately lost 0-1 due to a converted penalty. In their subsequent home match, the team achieved a 1-0 victory against Valencia with the same score. It’s worth noting that in their last 6 Primera Division outings, the club has suffered only 1 defeat (alongside 3 wins and 2 draws).

Osasuna’s Key Statistics

• No more than two goals have been scored in Osasuna’s last 6 league matches.
• Away from home, the club has managed only 1 victory in their last 15 La Liga fixtures (with 8 draws and 6 defeats).
• Both teams have found the net in 5 of Pamplona’s last 6 away games in the Primera Division.

Osasuna Predicted Starting Lineup (4-4-2)*

Sergio Herrera – Alejandro Catena, Valentin Rosier, Juan Cruz, Enzo Boyomo – Jon Moncayola, Lucas Torró, Aimar Oroz, Moi Gómez – Ante Budimir, Victor Muñoz.

Team News

Defender Abel Bretones will miss his second match due to suspension.

Match Prediction: Espanyol vs Osasuna

Osasuna’s Away Game Challenges

It is unlikely that Osasuna will present any major surprises this season. The team is primarily focused on winning at home, while on the road, they tend to aim for occasional points. Last season, Osasuna secured only 2 away victories in the league, and it seems improbable that their playing style will change significantly. Currently, the Pamplona side has a 4-match winless streak in away La Liga games (comprising 2 draws and 2 defeats).

Espanyol’s Home Advantage and Cautionary Bet

The Catalans also anticipate strong support from their home crowd. This season, the club has already impressed by defeating Atlético at Cornellà-El Prat. In their last 14 home matches in the Primera Division, Espanyol has only been defeated by Betis and Barcelona. However, given that the club often shares points with opponents on their home ground, and has drawn with Osasuna in their last 3 head-to-head encounters at this stadium, I suggest a prediction with a handicap for added security.

My refined prediction – Espanyol Asian Handicap (0) with odds of 1.67

* The starting lineup for each team is indicated as per their previous match in this tournament.