Preview: Osasuna vs. Real Betis - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts, meanwhile, are trying to remain focused on league matters as the countdown continues to their Copa del Rey final meeting with Real Madrid on May 6.

Match preview

After winning seven of their opening 13 games of the La Liga season, Osasuna have managed to win just three of their last 16 league matches.

They were unable to claim a positive result last weekend, losing 2-1 away to Rayo Vallecano with Moi Gomez's second-half strike proving to be a consolation goal.

Due to their poor run of results, 10th-placed Osasuna have fallen away from the European spots and are now nine points adrift of the top six.

However, the 2022-23 campaign could still be the most memorable one in Osasuna's history, as they have the chance to win the Copa del Rey for the very first time next month.

With four league games to play before Osasuna face Real Madrid in Seville, Jagoba Arrasate will be keen for his side to embark on a positive run of form as they look to build momentum ahead of their second-ever Copa del Rey final.

After suffering consecutive defeats to Atletico Madrid and Cadiz without scoring, Betis got their top-four bid back on track last weekend, easing to a 3-1 victory over relegation-threatened Espanyol.

Ayoze Perez and Juan Miranda grabbed a goal apiece to give Los Verdiblancos a 2-0 lead at half time, but their advantage was quickly halved after the break when Cesar Montes produced a sublime bicycle kick.

With just over 20 minutes remaining, William Carvalho found the net to quash any hopes of an Espanyol comeback, ensuring Betis picked up a victory which moved them to within three points of fourth-placed Real Sociedad.

Manuel Pellegrini's side will face the Basque club next week in a game that could define their top-four hopes, but first, they must focus on Saturday's trip to Pamplona.

Although Betis were knocked out of the Copa del Rey on penalties by Osasuna in January, they have enjoyed success in league games against the Rojillos, having won the last six league meetings between the two sides.

Osasuna La Liga form:

D

L

L

D

W

L

Osasuna form (all competitions):

L

L

D

D

W

L

Real Betis La Liga form:

D

D

W

L

L

W

Real Betis form (all competitions):

D

L

W

L

L

W

Team News

Elche are unable to call upon the services of Darko Brasanac, who is set to spend several months on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Elche earlier this month.

There are doubts surrounding the availability of Chimy Avila, Ruben Garcia and Lucas Torro, while Moi Gomez is suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards.

After dropping down to the bench last weekend, Ante Budemir return to the starting XI to feature in a front three alongside Kike Barja and Abde Ezzalzouli.

As for the visitors, Youssouf Sabaly and Nabil Fekir will both miss out through injury, while Sergio Canales and Aitor Ruibal are suspended for Saturday's encounter.

Carvalho could drop back into a defensive midfield alongside Guido Rodriguez, which will allow Rodri to come into the starting lineup.

Betis legend Joaquin announced on Wednesday that he will retire from football at the end of the season, and the 41-year-old may have a role to play off the bench against Osasuna.

Osasuna possible starting lineup:

Fernandez; Vidal, Aridane, D. Garcia, Sanchez; Ibanez, Moncayola, Oroz; Barja, Ezzalzouli, Budemir

Real Betis possible starting lineup:

Silva; Montoya, Felipe, Gonzalez, Miranda; Rodriguez, Carvalho; Henrique, Rodri, Perz; Iglesias

We say: Osasuna 1-2 Real Betis

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