Osasuna vs Espanyol

Osasuna are enjoying a solid spell with 2 wins, 1 draws and 2 defeats from their last 5 outings. They have scored at a steady rate averaging 1.0 goals per game, while conceding 1.6. Worryingly for Osasuna, they have drawn blanks in 2 of their last 5 matches, a return that will need to improve against organised opposition.

As for Espanyol, their recent results tell an interesting tale. Espanyol will approach this game with confidence levels at a low ebb, after taking 4 points from a possible 15 in their last 5. Averaging 1.4 goals scored per game, Espanyol's attack has done enough to compete; at the other end, 1.6 goals per game have gone in. Looking at the head-to-head record, the last 6 meetings have produced 3 Osasuna wins, 1 Espanyol wins and 2 draws. These meetings have often been tight affairs, averaging 1.5 goals per match.

One side arrives in better attacking form, the other may need to absorb pressure and strike on the break. The opening quarter-hour could hint at how this tactical battle will unfold. Expect a closely fought contest between two evenly matched sides. The result may well come down to which team is more clinical in the final third.

This is a closely contested fixture, with the data suggesting a draw (31%) is the most likely outcome. The predicted scoreline of 1-2 reflects the evenly matched nature of the contest. Confidence here is modest at 45%, reflecting just how hard this fixture is to call. The stage is set in the La Liga; kick-off cannot come soon enough.