Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the La Liga match.
Villarreal return home after setbacks away from home, and they have already recorded two home wins this season. The opponents are Osasuna, who struggle on their travels.
Villarreal
Villarreal began the season with two convincing home victories over Real Oviedo (2:0) and Girona (5:0). Away from home, they have dipped: a draw with Celta de Vigo (1:1), a defeat to Atlético de Madrid (0:2) and a setback against Tottenham Hotspur (0:1) in the Champions League. However, Villarreal now return to their home ground, where they have won six matches in a row. The standout performers for the team are Tajon Buchanan and Nicolas Pépé. Nicolas Pépé impressed in particular, and he was named La Liga’s Player of the Month for August with two goals and one assist.
Osasuna
Osasuna pick up points on their own turf, but the picture changes sharply away from home — two defeats on the bounce against Real Madrid and RCD Espanyol, both (0:1). The attack has lacked cutting edge, with only three goals scored; only Girona (two) and Real Oviedo (one) have fewer. Last season’s top scorer for Osasuna, Ante Budimir, scored against Valencia, and he drew a blank in the other matches.
Villarreal vs Osasuna Prediction
Villarreal are very comfortable at home, where they seldom lose, and the last three head-to-head meetings have gone the way of the hosts. This match should follow the same pattern, and Villarreal are expected to take three points.
