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Osasuna vs Real Oviedo Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 17 January

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Osasuna3 - 2Real Oviedo

On Saturday, 17 January, Osasuna will host Real Oviedo in an intriguing LaLiga clash at Estadio El Sadar. This encounter promises to be significant as both teams aim to secure crucial points in the league standings. Osasuna, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to gain an advantage over their opponents.

Real Oviedo, meanwhile, will be eager to challenge Osasuna and prove their mettle away from home. Estadio El Sadar is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, which could play a pivotal role in the outcome of this match. With both teams focused on climbing the LaLiga table, this fixture is set to offer plenty of action and betting opportunities for fans and punters alike.

Osasuna vs Real Oviedo Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip Odds
Fewer than 0.5 goals 8.4

Given the defensive approaches and cautious tactics of both teams, our recommended betting tip is to back Under 0.5 goals. The match is expected to be a low-scoring affair, with both sides likely to prioritise defensive solidity over aggressive attacking play.

  • Fewer than 2.5 goals have been scored in 74% of Real Oviedo’s matches this season, indicating a trend towards low-scoring games.
  • Real Oviedo are winless in 12 consecutive matches, suggesting they may struggle to break down Osasuna’s defence.
  • Osasuna’s emphasis on defensive solidity at home aligns with expectations of a tightly contested, low-risk game.

Betting Odds

Osasuna enter this clash as clear favourites with odds of 1.77, reflecting their strong home advantage at Estadio El Sadar. Real Oviedo, on the other hand, are viewed as underdogs with odds of 5.02, suggesting a tough outing for the visitors.

Betting Tip Odds
Osasuna to win 1.77
Draw 3.39
Real Oviedo to win 5.02

The draw is priced at 3.39, which may appeal to those expecting a closely contested affair. For those interested in goal markets, keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals option, as both teams have shown the ability to find the net in recent fixtures.

Osasuna Analysis & Recent Performance

Osasuna have experienced mixed results recently, recording two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. Their most recent outing, a 5-6 loss against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey, highlighted both their attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team Away Team Result Competition Date
Real Sociedad Osasuna N/A FA Cup 13 Jan 2026
Girona Osasuna 1 – 0 (Loss) Premier League 10 Jan 2026
Osasuna Athletic Club 1 – 1 (Draw) Premier League 3 Jan 2026
Osasuna Deportivo Alaves 3 – 0 (Win) Premier League 20 Dec 2025
SD Huesca Osasuna 1 – 1 (Extra time: 1 – 3) (Win) FA Cup 17 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Osasuna’s attack has been productive, averaging 2.60 goals per match in their last five games, scoring a total of 13 goals. However, their defence remains a concern, conceding an average of 2.00 goals per game, with only one clean sheet in this period. Their ability to score is counterbalanced by a leaky defence, which has seen them concede 10 goals in the same timeframe.

At home, Osasuna have been fairly consistent, securing two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five home fixtures—a 40% win ratio at Estadio El Sadar. Their league position of 15th with 19 points reflects their struggles this season, as they aim to stabilise their form and climb the table.

Key player Ante Budimir has been pivotal, netting six goals so far. His attacking contributions are crucial to Osasuna’s strategy, but the team must tighten their defensive organisation to turn attacking opportunities into more consistent results.

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Osasuna Suspensions & Injuries

Osasuna face a tactical reshuffle due to the suspension of Jon Moncayola, a vital component of their midfield. His absence, caused by accumulated yellow cards, leaves a significant gap in their central playmaking. Víctor Muñoz is likely to step in, though he may not fully replicate Moncayola’s creative influence. This could force coach Jagoba Arrasate to adjust his 4-2-3-1 formation, perhaps relying more on Aimar Oroz for attacking responsibilities.

Player Suspension Matches Remaining Expected Return
Jon Moncayola Yellow cards 1 Unknown

On the injury front, Osasuna will be without Iker Benito, who is sidelined for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury. While Benito’s absence does not directly impact the current starting lineup, it does limit the team’s depth, particularly on the wings. This may influence Arrasate’s substitution strategy, as options off the bench are now slightly restricted.

Player Injury Expected Return
Iker Benito Cruciate ligament injury Out for the season

Osasuna Key Players

Osasuna’s attack will be spearheaded by Ante Budimir, the team’s top scorer with six goals. Budimir’s finishing ability and aerial prowess make him a constant threat to any defence. His role as the lone forward in Osasuna’s setup will be crucial in breaking down Real Oviedo’s defensive line.

In midfield, Lucas Torró stands out for his ability to control the tempo and disrupt opposition play. Rubén García, known for his creativity and vision, will be instrumental in linking midfield to attack, offering crucial support to Budimir. Defensively, Alejandro Catena’s presence as a central defender is vital for Osasuna’s solidity, providing leadership and experience at the back.

Expected lineup for Osasuna

  • Goalkeeper: Sergio Herrera
  • Defence: Alejandro Catena, Javi Galán, Jorge Herrando, Valentin Rosier
  • Midfield: Lucas Torró, Víctor Muñoz, Aimar Oroz, Rubén García, Iker Muñoz
  • Forward: Ante Budimir

Osasuna Tactics and Formation

Osasuna Tactical Breakdown:

  • Formation: 4-2-3-1
  • Key Forward: Ante Budimir
  • Midfield Pivot: Lucas Torró and Víctor Muñoz
  • Defensive Strength: Versatile backline featuring Alejandro Catena and Valentin Rosier
  • Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and counter-attacks.

Osasuna’s use of the 4-2-3-1 formation underscores their intent to maintain midfield control while ensuring a solid defensive base. Lucas Torró and Víctor Muñoz form the midfield pivot, tasked with breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. Aimar Oroz, operating as the attacking midfielder, is pivotal in linking up with the forward line, particularly with Ante Budimir, their top scorer.

Defensively, Osasuna’s setup features Alejandro Catena and Valentin Rosier, providing both defensive stability and attacking support from the full-back positions. This formation aims to leverage their defensive capabilities while allowing the team to transition quickly from defence to attack.

Offensively, Osasuna focus on exploiting the flanks, with Rubén García and Iker Muñoz as wingers who can stretch play. This wide approach, combined with their counter-attacking prowess, is particularly effective against teams that commit numbers forward, allowing Osasuna to capitalise on transitional phases.

Real Oviedo Analysis & Recent Performance

Real Oviedo’s recent form has been underwhelming, as they are currently winless in their last five matches, drawing four and losing one. Their most recent game ended in a 1-1 draw against Real Betis at home, where they managed 42% possession and 13 shots, highlighting a competitive performance despite not securing all three points.

Home Team Away Team Result Competition Date
Real Oviedo Real Betis 1 – 1 (Draw) LaLiga 10 Jan, 2026
Deportivo Alaves Real Oviedo 1 – 1 (Draw) LaLiga 4 Jan, 2026
Real Oviedo Celta Vigo 0 – 0 (Draw) LaLiga 20 Dec, 2025
Sevilla Real Oviedo 4 – 0 (Loss) LaLiga 14 Dec, 2025
Real Oviedo Mallorca 0 – 0 (Draw) LaLiga 5 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:

  • DDDLD

The team have averaged just 0.40 goals per game over the past five matches, highlighting a struggle in front of goal. Defensively, they have conceded 1.20 goals per game, with two clean sheets suggesting some defensive resilience. However, their away performances have been particularly concerning, with no wins and four losses in their last five away fixtures. Real Oviedo’s attack has struggled, with José Salomón Rondón their top scorer with just two goals this season, marking a significant area for improvement.

Real Oviedo Suspensions & Injuries

Real Oviedo will be without David Carmo due to a suspension resulting from an accumulation of yellow cards. This absence could have a significant impact on their defensive solidity, given Carmo’s status as a regular starter. His suspension opens up an opportunity for Dani Calvo, who is expected to partner David Costas in central defence. While Calvo is experienced, some tactical adjustments may be required to maintain defensive cohesion.

Player Suspension Matches Remaining Expected Return
David Carmo Yellow cards 1 Unknown

Injuries are also a concern for Real Oviedo. Nacho Vidal is sidelined with a muscle injury and is expected to return in late January, leaving a gap in their defensive options. Álvaro Lemos is out with a cruciate ligament injury, with no set return date, further limiting their depth. Ovie Ejaria is unavailable due to an unspecified injury, restricting midfield rotation, while Eric Bailly’s status is doubtful due to a thigh injury.

Player Injury Expected Return
Álvaro Lemos Cruciate ligament injury Unknown
Ovie Ejaria Unknown Unknown
Nacho Vidal Muscle injury Late January 2026
Eric Bailly Thigh injury Doubtful

These absences may force Real Oviedo to rely heavily on their available starters, potentially affecting stamina and performance as the match progresses. With a depleted squad, Real Oviedo might adopt a more conservative approach to manage the game effectively. This could influence betting markets, as the team’s ability to cope with these absences will be crucial in determining the match’s outcome.

Real Oviedo Key Players

Real Oviedo’s attacking threat will rely heavily on José Salomón Rondón, the team’s top scorer with two goals. Rondón’s strength and positioning make him a constant danger in the box, and his ability to hold up play allows teammates to join the attack—crucial against Osasuna’s defence. Supporting him is Álex Forés, whose dynamic movement up front can create space and opportunities for others.

In midfield, Santiago Colombatto and Alberto Reina are pivotal. Colombatto’s vision and passing range can unlock defences, while Reina’s energy and pressing ability make him essential in both offensive and defensive transitions. Their control in midfield will be vital for dictating the tempo against Osasuna.

Expected lineup for Real Oviedo

  • Goalkeeper: Aarón Escandell
  • Defenders: Lucas Ahijado, David Costas, Dani Calvo, Rahim Alhassane
  • Midfielders: Santiago Colombatto, Kwasi Sibo, Haissem Hassan, Ilyas Chaira, Alberto Reina
  • Forward: Álex Forés

Defensively, the partnership of David Costas and Dani Calvo at the heart of the backline provides Real Oviedo with solidity and experience. Costas’s awareness and Calvo’s aerial ability are key strengths that could be decisive in dealing with set-pieces and aerial threats from Osasuna. Their leadership at the back will be crucial in maintaining a solid defensive structure throughout the match.

Real Oviedo Tactics and Formation

Real Oviedo Tactical Breakdown:

  • Formation: 4-2-3-1
  • Key Forward: Álex Forés
  • Midfield Pivot: Santiago Colombatto and Kwasi Sibo
  • Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
  • Notable Strategy: Emphasis on defensive solidity and patient build-up play.

Real Oviedo have consistently employed a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Guillermo Almada. This setup provides a balanced approach, with Santiago Colombatto and Kwasi Sibo anchoring the midfield. Their roles are crucial in maintaining defensive stability while facilitating transitions from defence to attack.

Defensively, Real Oviedo rely on a back four of Lucas Ahijado, David Costas, Dani Calvo, and Rahim Alhassane. The return of Dani Calvo in defence is expected to enhance their solidity, as shown by two clean sheets in their last five matches.

Offensively, Álex Forés leads the line, supported by the creativity of Haissem Hassan and Ilyas Chaira from the flanks. Real Oviedo’s strategy often focuses on patient build-up and exploiting spaces left by opponents, though they have struggled to convert chances, as reflected by their average of 0.40 goals per game in recent fixtures.

Osasuna vs Real Oviedo Head-to-Head Record

Osasuna and Real Oviedo have faced each other nine times, with Osasuna leading the head-to-head record with four wins to Oviedo’s two, and three matches ending in a draw. Their most recent meeting was a goalless draw in November 2025 in LaLiga, highlighting a tight contest between the two sides.

The last time Osasuna hosted Real Oviedo at Estadio El Sadar was in June 2019, when they secured a narrow 1-0 victory in LaLiga2. This suggests a slight home advantage for Osasuna, especially considering their stronger form at home in previous meetings.

Home Team Away Team Result Competition Date
Real Oviedo Osasuna 0 – 0 LaLiga 2025-11-03
Osasuna Real Oviedo 1 – 0 LaLiga2 2019-06-08
Real Oviedo Osasuna 2 – 1 LaLiga2 2018-10-20
Osasuna Real Oviedo 2 – 1 LaLiga2 2018-05-12
Real Oviedo Osasuna 1 – 0 LaLiga2 2017-12-10
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