Preview: Osasuna vs. Celta Vigo - prediction, team news, lineups

Osasuna will be looking to bounce back from successive defeats in Spain's top flight when they continue their 2020-21 campaign at home to Celta Vigo on Sunday.

Los Rojillos have picked up just three points from their three matches this season to sit down in 14th spot in the table, while Celta are currently 11th with five points to show from their four games in 2020-21.

Match preview

© Reuters

After two campaigns in the Segunda Division, Osasuna finished 10th in La Liga last season and were ultimately just four points off the Europa League spots as they impressed on their return to this level of football.

Jagoba Arrasate 's side made a strong start to the season, recording a 2-0 victory over Cadiz, but the Pamplona-based outfit have lost their last two away to Getafe and at home to Levante.

The defeat to Getafe was not too much of a surprise, but there is no question that the club's supporters would have been hugely disappointed with the 3-1 home reverse against Levante, particularly considering that Roberto Torres sent the hosts into the lead in the latter stages of the first period.

Osasuna recorded a 2-1 victory when these two teams locked horns in the corresponding game last season, although they have only won one of their six La Liga encounters with Celta.

© Reuters

Celta, meanwhile, were unbeaten in their first three league matches of the season, drawing with Eibar and Real Valladolid, in addition to recording an impressive 2-1 win over Valencia.

Oscar Garcia 's side lost their first game of the season on Thursday night, though, with Barcelona running out 3-0 winners courtesy of efforts from Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto and an own goal from Lucas Olaza.

Celta will be keen to bounce back this weekend as their next game after the international break is at home to Atletico Madrid, before finishing the month with fixtures against Levante and Real Sociedad.

The Sky Blues have only just survived in La Liga in each of the last two seasons - finishing 17th on both occasions - and it could be another tough campaign despite having quality in the squad.

Osasuna La Liga form: WLL

Celta Vigo La Liga form: DWDL

Team News

© Reuters

A serious knee injury for Chimy Avila is expected to rule the Osasuna striker out for the majority of the season, while Darko Brasanac is also still on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

Aridane Hernandez and Jorge Herrando are also likely to be absent until the end of October, but Torres should shake off the knock that forced him to be replaced just past the hour against Levante.

Arrasate is expected to shuffle his pack from the defeat last time out, with Enric Gallego potentially replacing Jonathan Calleri in the final third, while Lucas Torro is also pushing for a start.

As for Celta, goalkeepers Ruben Blanco and Sergio Alvarez remain on the sidelines through injury, while David Junca is likely to be absent until the end of the month with a thigh issue.

The Sky Blues operated in a back five against Barca but are expected to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation for this match, with Iago Aspas operating at the tip of the attack.

Nolito is expected to return in the final third of the field, while Fran Beltran could come into the middle of the park, with Denis Suarez and Emre Mor also featuring for the visitors.

Osasuna possible starting lineup:

Herrera; Vidal, Navas, D Garcia, Cruz; Torres, Moncayola, Oier, R Garcia; Adrian, Gallego

Celta Vigo possible starting lineup:

Villar; Mallo, Aidoo, Murillo, Olaza; Beltran, Tapia; Suarez, Mor, Nolito; Aspas

We say: Osasuna 1-1 Celta Vigo

Three of the last six La Liga games between these two teams have finished level, while Celta have already shared the points in two of their four league encounters this season. Both managers will be eyeing all three points on Sunday, but we are struggling to separate the two sides on this occasion.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.