Villarreal vs. Osasuna Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 3 May 2025 - bettingexpert
Villarreal is set to face Osasuna in an intriguing LaLiga clash at the Estadio de la Cerámica on 3 May 2025 at 15:15. The referee for the day is Alejandro Quintero. Both teams are battling for spots in European competitions, adding a layer of importance to the matchup in the 34th round of LaLiga, which features 20 teams and spans 38 rounds.
Villarreal sits 5th with 55 points and is the bookmaker’s favourite with odds of 1.54 for a win. Despite recent injuries and suspensions, Villarreal’s solid home form, where they’ve scored in 94% of their matches, keeps them in good stead. Ayoze Pérez, their top scorer with 14 goals, will be crucial in the attack.
Osasuna, 8th with 44 points, aim to extend their unbeaten run and have shown strong recent form with WWWDD. Ante Budimir, with 18 goals, leads their frontline. Their solid defensive record, including 2 clean sheets in the last 5 games, indicates a tough contest.
Both teams have shown capability, and a draw is recommended given their recent performances and narrow historical encounters. With the departure of standout player Álex Baena to Atlético Madrid impending, Villarreal will look to other key players to step up in this vital fixture.
Villarreal vs Osasuna Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the recent performances of both teams and their historical encounters, our recommended betting tip leans towards a draw.
| Villarreal vs Osasuna Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Draw | 4.34 |
- Balance of Recent Forms: Both Villarreal and Osasuna have shown consistent performances recently, making a draw quite likely.
- Head-to-Head Records: Previous encounters between these two sides have often ended in draws or narrow margins, suggesting another closely-fought contest.
- European Competitions Motivation: Both clubs are vying for European spots, which may result in a cautious approach and thus a shared point.
Given the importance of this match for both teams in their chase for European competition spots, a draw is a safe bet.
Villarreal vs Osasuna Odds
| Villarreal vs Osasuna Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Villarreal | 1.54 |
| Draw | 4.34 |
| Osasuna | 5.55 |
Villarreal are the favourites to win given their strong home form despite recent mixed results. However, Osasuna’s impressive streak makes them a worthy underdog. A draw at odds of 4.34 offers an attractive option considering both teams’ close positions and form. With both clubs pushing for European spots, a cautious game might result in shared points.
Villarreal Team Analysis
Villarreal Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villarreal | Espanyol | 2025-04-27 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Win) |
| Celta Vigo | Villarreal | 2025-04-23 | LaLiga | 3-0 (Loss) |
| Villarreal | Real Sociedad | 2025-04-20 | LaLiga | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Real Betis | Villarreal | 2025-04-13 | LaLiga | 1-2 (Win) |
| Villarreal | Athletic Club | 2025-04-06 | LaLiga | 0-0 (Draw) |
Recent Form: WLDWD
Villarreal have had a varied run in their past five matches, securing two wins, two draws, and one loss. Their ability to keep clean sheets twice in these matches demonstrates a solid defensive strategy. However, they’ve struggled offensively, averaging only 1 goal per game in their recent fixtures.
Despite these challenges, Villarreal’s home form remains commendable—scoring in 94% of their home matches this season. Marcelino will hope to capitalize on their home advantage as they face Osasuna.
Villarreal Key Players
Villarreal’s key players are crucial for this home fixture against Osasuna. Ayoze Perez, the team’s top scorer with 14 goals, is expected to lead the attack. In midfield, Daniel Parejo, known for his vision and passing accuracy, will play a pivotal role in orchestrating plays. Another player to watch is Nicolas Pepe, who brings experience and creativity to the flanks. In defence, Juan Foyth and Logan Costa form a solid central partnership, adding resilience to Villarreal’s backline.
Expected lineup for Villarreal:
- Goalkeeper: Luiz Junior
- Defenders: Kiko Femenia, Juan Foyth, Logan Costa, Sergi Cardona
- Midfielders: Tajon Buchanan, Daniel Parejo, Santi Comesana, Denis Suarez
- Attackers: Ayoze Perez, Thierno Barry
This mix of experienced and dynamic players provides Villarreal with a balanced squad ready to take on Osasuna.
Villarreal Suspensions & Injuries
Villarreal will be managing several critical injuries and a suspension heading into their clash against Osasuna. This could impact their performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ilias Akhomach | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Raúl Albiol | Muscle injury | Early May 2025 |
| Alejandro Baena | Calf injury | Doubtful |
| Gerard Moreno | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Yeremi Pino | Yellow cards | 1 match |
The absence of Yeremi Pino due to suspension disrupts their attacking options, while injuries to key players like Raúl Albiol and Gerard Moreno could hinder both their defensive solidity and attacking prowess.
Villarreal Tactics and Formation
Villarreal Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forwards: Ayoze Perez, Thierno Barry
- Midfield Quartet: Tajon Buchanan, Daniel Parejo, Santi Comesaña, Denis Suárez
- Defensive Line: Kiko Femenía, Juan Foyth, Logan Costa, Sergi Cardona
- Goalkeeper: Luiz Júnior
Marcelino’s side is known for their solid defensive structure and disciplined gameplay, with Luiz Júnior expected to keep a clean sheet.
Ayoze Perez, currently Villarreal’s top scorer with 14 goals, leads the attack with support from Thierno Barry. The absence of Yeremy Pino (suspension) will be felt, likely prompting Denis Suárez to step up his game.
In the midfield, Daniel Parejo’s vision and passing are critical in dictating the tempo, while the back line, anchored by Juan Foyth, provides stability.
Osasuna Team Analysis
Osasuna Recent Performance
Osasuna have been in fine form recently, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches. With three wins and two draws, their recent performances highlight their resilience and ability to find results even in challenging situations.
Osasuna’s last 5 matches:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osasuna | Sevilla | 2025-04-24 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Win) |
| Real Valladolid | Osasuna | 2025-04-20 | LaLiga | 2-3 (Win) |
| Osasuna | Girona | 2025-04-13 | LaLiga | 2-1 (Win) |
| Leganes | Osasuna | 2025-04-07 | LaLiga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Athletic Club | Osasuna | 2025-03-30 | LaLiga | 0-0 (Draw) |
Osasuna have been relatively solid at the back, keeping 2 clean sheets in their last five outings. Offensively, they average 1.4 goals per game, with their top scorer, Ante Budimir, netting 18 goals this season.
Osasuna Key Players
Expected lineup for Osasuna:
- Goalkeeper: Sergio Herrera
- Defenders: Jesus Areso, Flavien Boyomo, Jorge Herrando, Abel Bretones
- Midfielders: Bryan Zaragoza, Lucas Torro, Aimar Oroz, Pablo Ibanez, Ruben Garcia
- Attacker: Ante Budimir
Osasuna’s key player and top scorer, Ante Budimir, has been in lethal form this season with 18 goals. He will be looking to exploit Villarreal’s defense, which has conceded 1.4 goals per game.
Lucas Torro, commanding the midfield, will aim to neutralize Villarreal’s playmakers like Daniel Parejo. The battle between Budimir and Villarreal’s defenders, Juan Foyth and Logan Costa, promises to be a thrilling clash that could decide the match.
Osasuna Suspensions & Injuries
Osasuna will be missing some key players due to injuries and suspensions. Let’s take a look at who they are and when we might see them back on the pitch:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Raúl García De Haro | Eye injury | Doubtful |
| Jon Moncayola | Hamstring injury | Early May 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
| ———————– | ——————- | ———————– |
| Alejandro Catena | Yellow cards | Banned matches left 1 |
Both Jon Moncayola and Raúl García De Haro are doubtful to feature, which may affect Osasuna’s midfield depth and attacking options respectively. Alejandro Catena’s suspension, due to yellow cards, leaves a gap in the defence which will need to be filled effectively to keep Villarreal’s forwards at bay.
These absences could impact Osasuna’s cohesion and flexibility, particularly in the defensive and midfield areas.
Osasuna Tactics and Formation
Osasuna Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-5-1
- Key Forward: Ante Budimir
- Midfield Five: Bryan Zaragoza, Lucas Torro, Aimar Oroz, Pablo Ibanez, Ruben Garcia
- Defensive Formation: Five-man defense when under pressure
- Notable Strategy: Tight defensive structure with quick counter-attacks via flanks
Osasuna’s formation often morphs between a 5-4-1 and a 4-5-1, allowing them flexibility in both offensive and defensive scenarios. The midfield, anchored by Lucas Torro and Aimar Oroz, remains crucial for breaking up opposition play. With Ante Budimir leading the front, Osasuna focus on exploiting counter-attacks, particularly through the pace of Bryan Zaragoza and Ruben Garcia on the wings. Their defensive resilience is highlighted by conceding just five goals in the last five games.
Villarreal vs Osasuna Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osasuna | Villarreal | 2024-11-24 | LaLiga | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Osasuna | Villarreal | 2024-05-25 | LaLiga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Villarreal | Osasuna | 2023-11-26 | LaLiga | 3-1 (Win) |
| Osasuna | Villarreal | 2023-03-19 | LaLiga | 0-3 (Loss) |
| Villarreal | Osasuna | 2022-10-17 | LaLiga | 2-0 (Win) |
Recent encounters between Villarreal and Osasuna have often ended in draws or victories for Villarreal. With both teams vying for higher positions in the league, each match is tight and competitive. Given their recent run of results, another close match can be expected this time around.
Odds accurate as of 01/05/2025 15:16, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
