Osasuna vs Real Betis
Spanish La Liga
Date: Friday, 21st October 2016,
Kick-Off at 19:45 UK
Venue: Estadio El Sadar, Pamplona.
In the opening few weeks of the season, Osasuna had looked distinctly out of their depth at this level and certainly the weakest of the newly promoted sides which, to some extent, is no surprise given they only sneaked in to the play-offs on the final day last term and haven’t invested heavily ahead of their return to the top flight. However, they picked up a massive 3 points on Monday, winning 3-2 at Basque rivals Eibar despite falling behind in the opening minute.
They would have won their last home game too were it not for letting a 2 goal lead slip against Las Palmas, so they do look to be warming to the task of life in La Liga and do at least pose a goal threat. Both teams have scored in 75% of Osasuna games this term including all of their last 4. Their main goal threat is forward Sergio Leon. The summer signing was prolific for Elche in the Segunda Division last term and has scored at a rate of better than every 90 minutes in the top flight for Osasuna this season. That includes 4 goals in their last 4 games including a 1st Half brace at Eibar on Monday, so he looks a good candidate to net here.
The problem for Osasuna is at the back though and they just don’t look like a team capable of keeping clean sheets. Including pre-season they’ve kept just 1 in 15 matches and Real Betis do have players like Raul Castro who are clinical enough to take advantage of their defensive errors. Both teams have scored in 50% of Betis games so far, which is an increase on last year. The change in coach to the more adventurous Gus Poyet has played a part in that but they have defensive issues of their own to sort out as their humiliating 6-1 home defeat to Real Madrid last weekend indicated.
Osasuna might not be Real Madrid but they are a side with new-found belief and enough quality to trouble them. Both teams will believe they can win this so it should be an open game and backing Both Teams to Score at 4/5 looks a solid plan.
Osasuna vs Real Betis: Head-to-Head Stats
Real Betis haven’t won in their last four visits to Pamplona as Osasuna won three and drawn 1.
Osasuna also dominate the recent head-to-head in all venues with 3 wins and a defeat from the last four La Liga meeting against Real Betis.
The last five matches between these two sides have seen over 2.5 goals.
Osasuna vs Real Betis: Prediction
Both teams are in some similar kind of form at the moment, but the recent results favor Osasuna as they have finally ended their win-less run in the league. They will be confident when they take on a Betis side who have plenty of problems on their own.
While Gus Poyet managed Betis side have already lost in 3 of their 4 away games this season. And they have a poor record against Osasuna while playing away from home. Their defense is also a big let-down as they already shipped in 18 goals so far this season.
This once again makes the home side favourites for a win here and we believe Osasuna will profit from their new found confidence and belief.
Osasuna vs Real Betis: Betting Tips
Osasuna to win at 2.70 (17/10)
Over 2.5 goals at 2.10 (11/10).
