The Matchday 3 La Liga encounter between Espanyol and Osasuna will take place on August 31 at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona. Espanyol vs. Osasuna: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Espanyol
The Catalans are on a three-match unbeaten streak in the league. Manolo Gonzalez's side ended last season with a home victory over Las Palmas (2-0). They also started the new campaign successfully, defeating Atletico at home 2-1. In the last round, the team drew 2-2 away against Real Sociedad. As a result, they find themselves in 7th place with 4 points.
- Espanyol has won only 2 of their last 9 matches in La Liga (2 draws and 5 losses).
- At least two goals have been scored in the club's last 7 league matches.
- At home, the Catalans have not lost in 12 of their last 14 La Liga games (6 wins and 6 draws).
Predicted lineup for Espanyol (4-4-2)
Marko Dmitrovic – Omar El Hilali, Miguel Lestan, Carlos Romero, Leandro Cabrera – Pere Milla, Edu Exposito, Pol Lozano, Tiris Dolan – Roberto Fernandez Jaen, Javi Puado.
Osasuna
Osasuna is playing in their usual style without surprises. Alessio Lisci's side nearly took points from Real Madrid in the first round but lost 0-1 due to a penalty. In the next match, they defeated Valencia 1-0 at home. Notably, in their last 6 La Liga matches, the club has suffered only 1 defeat (3 wins and 2 draws).
- No more than two goals have been scored in Osasuna's last 6 league matches.
- Away from home, the club has only 1 win in their last 15 La Liga games (8 draws and 6 losses).
- Both teams scored in 5 of Osasuna's last 6 away games in La Liga.
Predicted lineup for Osasuna (4-4-2)
Sergio Herrera – Alejandro Catena, Valentin Rosier, Juan Cruz, Enzo Boyomo – Jon Moncayola, Lucas Torro, Aimar Oros, Moi Gomez – Ante Budimir, Victor Munoz.
Defender Abel Bretones will miss the second match due to suspension.
Referee
Miguel Sesma (Spain)
Matches – 24 (Segunda, 2024/2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 109;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.5;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 54%.
Espanyol vs. Osasuna: Match Prediction
Osasuna is unlikely to surprise this season. The team is more focused on winning at home, while away they aim to occasionally pick up points. Last season, Osasuna secured only 2 away victories in the league, and it seems their playing style won't change. Currently, they are on a four-match winless streak away in La Liga (2 draws and 2 losses).
The Catalans are also counting on home support. This season, they have already surprised by defeating Atletico at the RCDE Stadium. In their last 14 home matches in La Liga, Espanyol has only lost to Betis and Barcelona. However, as the club often shares points at home and has drawn in the last 3 head-to-head meetings at this stadium with Osasuna, I suggest a prediction with insurance.
My prediction – Espanyol with a handicap (0)