The Catalan club have been struggling for consistency, with each of their last eight outings producing a different result from the previous one, bookended by a desperate 3-1 league loss to Almería last time out.
Espanyol
Sitting just one point ahead of La Liga’s dreaded drop zone ahead of the round, Espanyol know that wins are becoming a precious commodity as they prepare to welcome Osasuna. The Catalan club have been struggling for consistency, with each of their last eight outings producing a different result from the previous one, bookended by a desperate 3-1 league loss to Almería last time out. That defeat led to manager Diego Martinez stating that his side “weren’t at our usual level,” but they have been strong at home, at least, losing just one of their last six league outings here. Espanyol fans might be concerned if their side start poorly again, though, as they haven’t come back to win a La Liga home game after conceding first since February 2019!
Osasuna
Visiting Osasuna also arrive on the back of a defeat, after losing 1-0 to Atlético Madrid to end a six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. Their campaign has been somewhat more optimistic than their hosts; however, with a push for Europe still going strong with their 28 points after 19 games, the most they have picked up at this stage of the Spanish top-flight since 2005/06! A first appearance in UEFA European competition since the season directly following that campaign will likely rely on them taking points on their travels against bottom-half sides. Don’t be surprised if Osasuna snatch at least a point here, then, especially as only La Liga’s top four have lost fewer league away games than their three so far this season.
Espanyol will hope summer signing Martin Braithwaite can make his mark after netting twice in his last four La Liga home outings. Osasuna’s Chimy Avila will also want a return to goals after failing to score against Atlético. But he does have two strikes from his last three appearances, including one which helped Osasuna reach the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey for the first time since 2004/05. No La Liga side has conceded more league goals at home than Espanyol’s 15 ahead of the round.