Preview: Osasuna vs. Rayo Vallecano - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts made a return to winning ways against Mallorca last time out, while their visitors made it three victories on the spin to climb to fifth spot in the La Liga table.

Match preview

Despite failing to establish consistency so far this season, Osasuna sit in a relatively impressive position after seven games of the La Liga campaign, currently occupying ninth spot with 11 points.

Jagoba Arrasate's side drew their first two games, but have since won three of their last five outings, with defeats to Real Betis and Valencia stopping winning runs from building.

After the 3-1 loss to Real Betis, Los Rojillos made a return to winning ways last Sunday, as they travelled to take on newly-promoted Mallorca.

After Jose Angel's opener for Osasuna, the hosts turned the game on its head and led 2-1 thanks to Dani Rodriguez and Fer Nino, but Inigo Perez equalised on the hour mark and Javi Martinez hit an 88th-minute winner to snatch all three points for Arrasate's side in dramatic fashion.

Despite their creditable start, they are yet to record back-to-back wins this season and will look to do that for the first time on Saturday, but they face a tough test against a Rayo Vallecano side in eye-catching form.

Following their promotion from the second tier last season, Rayo Vallecano had a tough start to life back in the top flight, losing their first two games.

Andoni Iraola's side quickly adjusted though, thrashing Granada 4-0 and drawing with Levante, and they now head into Saturday's game on the back of three straight wins.

Los Vallecanos followed the draw up with a dominant 3-0 win over Getafe, before a 96th-minute Radamel Falcao goal saw them snatch an impressive 2-1 away win over Athletic Bilbao.

They continued the winning run against Cadiz last time out, as Alvaro Garcia, Falcao and Isi Palazon got on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win on home turf.

Now sitting in fifth spot, having surprised the league so far this season, Iraola's men will look to keep their momentum going with what would be another impressive scalp on Saturday.

Osasuna La Liga form:

Rayo Vallecano La Liga form:

Team News

While Osasuna have no players out with long-term injuries, Ante Budimir, Kike Barja and Javi Ontiveros have all recently spent time in the treatment room, and they are unlikely to feature this soon.

Following their victory last time out, Arrasate is unlikely to make many changes to his relatively established team.

Kike Garcia will be pushing to return to the side, while wingers Javi Martinez and Inigo Perez will both keep their spots after hitting goals in that victory.

After scoring in his first two substitute appearances for the club, veteran forward Radamel Falcao made his first start for Rayo Vallecano last time out, and, after making it three goals in three games, he will continue to lead the line.

Martin Merquelanz will continue to miss out, while defender Esteban Saveljich is a new injury concern, and could be sidelined for Saturday's trip.

They were boosted by the return of creative midfielder Oscar Trejo last time out though, and with wingers Isi Palazon and Alvaro Garcia both scoring alongside Falcao, the front four will likely remain unchanged.

Osasuna possible starting lineup:

Herrera; Blanco, Hernandez, Garcia, Angel; Moncayola, Brasanac, Oier; Martinez, Kike, Perez

Rayo Vallecano possible starting lineup:

Dimitrievski; Balliu, Catena, Maras, F Garcia; Comesana, Ciss; Palazon, Trejo, A Garcia; Falcao

We say: Osasuna 1-2 Rayo Vallecano

While Osasuna pose a tough challenge, we cannot look past the visitors extending their winning run with the confidence they currently have.

Los Vallecanos have been fearless since winning promotion, and if they continue to play in the same style, they could catch Arrasate's men by surprise.