Preview: Osasuna vs. Getafe - prediction, team news, lineups

Getafe will travel to Pamplona this weekend for their La Liga clash with Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday afternoon.

Only a point separates these two sides in the table and three points from this encounter will likely ensure top-flight survival for the victors.

Match preview

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In what has been a bit of a rollercoaster of a campaign for Osasuna this season, Jagoba Arrasate 's men are looking fairly comfortable in 13th place, with eight points won from their last six league games.

Following an impactful blip in form earlier on in the season which resulted in a long stint stuck at the foot of the table, the biggest thing up for grabs for Osasuna is La Liga survival, despite months of positive results.

A big positive for Arrasate's men could be the return of club hero and all-round maverick Chimy Avila, who has missed the entire season so far due to a cruciate ligament rupture.

Avila was on the bench for the club against Huesca last time out in the league and this game could be his first real chance to grace the field once again.

Against Huesca, Osasuna were fortunate not to be beaten, with Pacheta 's men generally being much the better side over the course of the 90 minutes.

Osasuna have only won two of their last 14 top-flight games against Getafe and three points this weekend would certainly give the fans something to smile about.

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On the subject of rollercoaster campaigns, Jose Bordalas 's Getafe side have also endured a fairly tumultuous season, at one point going four league games without a win and without a goal.

Two points against Atletico Madrid and Elche in recent weeks has gone a long way in stopping the rot and calming nerves in the capital, with Los Azulones slowly edging their way towards league survival.

Against Elche last time out, Jose Bordalas's men managed to fight their way back from being a goal down to come away with a point to show for their efforts.

Turkish striker Enes Unal was the man of the hour in that tie and there are signs that Bordalas is starting to trust the 23-year-old with more responsibilities after a series of promising performances.

Currently 14th in the league, three points for Los Azulones this weekend could see the club leapfrog Osasuna into 13th place, taking on the mantle of "best of the rest".

Osasuna La Liga form:

W

L

W

L

D

D

Getafe La Liga form:

L

L

W

L

D

D

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Team News

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Due to an injury to Jony and suspension for Jon Moncayola, Arrasate will be forced to rethink the shape of his side ahead of this weekend.

Ruben Garcia is likely to reclaim his spot in the starting 11 while veteran holding midfielder Manolin could deputise for the absent Moncayola.

If Avila is to feature at all, it will likely be from the bench.

Other absentees for Osasuna include Inigo Perez, Ruben and Facundo Roncaglia, all of whom are injured.

Against Elche, Bordalas opted for a more creative side with the likes of Carles Alena, Takefusa Kubo and Marc Cucurella all taking centre stage.

It is unlikely that Bordalas will tinker too much to his side ahead of this encounter.

The only absentee for Getafe is Erick Cabaco, who is out injured.

Osasuna possible starting lineup:

Perez; Nacho Vidal, Aridane, D Garcia, Cruz; Torro, Manolin, Brasanac; Barja, Calleri, R Garcia

Getafe possible starting lineup:

Soria; Iglesias, Djene, Chakla, Olivera; Maksimovic, Arambarri, Kubo, Alena, Cucurella; Unal

We say: Osasuna 1-1 Getafe

This clash sees two of La Liga's most defensive sides lock horns and it is not an encounter that will necessarily get the blood running. We are going for a stalemate, but you never know, a moment of magic from Ruben Garcia or a triumphant return for Avila could seal all three points for the Pamplona side.

Top tip

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