Real Sociedad-Osasuna is a match from the 15th day of La Liga and is played on Saturday at 16:15: likely formations, predictions, TV and streaming.
While Real Madrid and Barcelona are in a league of their own when it comes to the title fight – there’s a gulf between second and third place – we’re seeing a real tussle for the other two slots, which put qualification for the next Champions League up for grabs.
‘Cholo’ Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are the big favourites to finish behind the Blancos and Blaugrana but the Colchoneros’ first part of the season has been far from exciting. Yesterday, however, Madrid returned to success in La Liga by defeating bottom-of-the-table Elche (2-0) and momentarily reclaiming third place. They now await the response of Real Sociedad, who could overtake them if they get the better of the surprising Osasuna, another team in this large group fighting for Europe. Imanol’s Basques have so far done everything in their power, confirming their role as potential loose cannons. The excellent away performance of Txuri-Urdin stands out: away from the Royal Arena they have won five out of seven matches, while at home their path has been a bit stuttering.
The excellent first half of Osasuna’s season
The club from San Sebastian can in any case be blamed very little, considering that there was also the Europa League in between (where Real Sociedad finished ahead of Manchester United in the group, avoiding the play-offs in February).
The joy of the Osasuna players
A performance that is going well beyond expectations is also that of the Navarra formation coached by Jagoba Arrasate. Osasuna are eighth in the standings and in their first fourteen matches have collected 23 points, only three less than Real Sociedad. Not a spectacular team from Pamplona but very solid in the non-possession phase, having conceded the same goals (14) as Real and Atletico. After holding their own against Barcelona in November, the Rojillos restarted with a success (3-1) in the Copa del Rey against Arnedo.
The Prediction
One of the most interesting matches of this round, between two possible outsiders who are doing well. The feeling is that Osasuna won’t give up easily – Real Sociedad have to do without the likes of Oyarzabal, Merino and Sadiq – and it will be a very balanced and, above all, close game, with less than three goals in total.
Real Sociedad-Osasuna’s likely line-up
- REAL SOCIEDAD (4-3-3): Remiro; Rico, Le Normand, Zubeldia, Gorosabel; Zubimendi, Silva, Méndez; Ali Cho, Kubo, Sorloth.
- OSASUNA (4-3-3): Herrera; Manu, David García, Unai García, Peña; Torró, Gómez, Oroz; Rubén García, Ávila, Kike García.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
