Who will win the duel of the top defensive lines?
La Liga could well be exciting this season. There are a couple of teams that have been on a roll so far. Two of them face each other at the San Mames. The bookmakers tend to see the hosts ahead in Athletic Bilbao vs Osasuna betting.
And indeed, there are many reasons why the home side are the favourites. Athletic play a bit more consistently, Osasuna had a few problems recently. In addition, the home advantage should also play a role, even if not the all-decisive one.
Both teams are characterised by a stable defence. That’s why our Athletic Bilbao vs. Osasuna prediction also goes in the direction of goals scored, because nobody should expect a spectacle when this match kicks off on Monday.
Athletic Bilbao – Statistics & current form
The hosts of Athletic Bilbao are in the upper echelon of La Liga and even have chances to aim towards the Champions League this season. Most recently, they won 6-1 at Eldense in the Copa del Rey, but that should not be overrated due to the difference in class. Especially the offensive team had fun, but that is rare in the league. Here, the work is serious.
The football of the hosts can be characterised quickly and simply. The build-up is to be flat and controlled, offensively the risk is shied away from. Hectic games involving the Basques are rare. This is the means to success, because from control the opponent can be worn down. The individual players around Williams and Muniain also bring many qualities.
Although there is no classic goal scorer, no player has more than five goals in the season, it is often enough for the Basques to win a game. Athletic Bilbao have not lost five times in a row, the team has been stable in recent weeks and looks very solid. 25 points from 15 games is a decent record, especially because there was no particular series, but constant scoring.
The San Mames Fortress
The hosts are especially strong in home games. The San Mames can be described as a fortress with a clear conscience. Eight games have been played here this season, five of which Athletic Bilbao have won. The Basques are averaging two points per game here, compared to just 1.29 away from home. And: only four goals have been conceded in the eight home games. This value is absolutely outstanding.
In general, the defence is at a good level. Athletic Bilbao has conceded 14 goals in the league so far, this value also shows how solid the team is. Furthermore, this also puts the offensive statistics in a better order, because 24 goals in 15 games are not exactly outstanding.
Now that an opponent is coming to the San Mames who themselves place a lot of value on compactness, our prediction before the Athletic Bilbao vs. Osasuna match is that less than 2.5 goals will be scored.
Predicted line-up of Athletic Bilbao:
Unai Simon – Lekue, Yeray, Vivian, Berchiche – Vesga, Vencedor, Muniain, Berenguer, Nico Williams – Inaki Williams
Last matches played by Athletic Bilbao:
Copa del Rey
06/01/2023 – Eldense 1 – 6 Athletic Bilbao
La Liga
30/12/2022 – Real Betis 0 – 0 Athletic Bilbao
Copa del Rey
21/12/2022 – Sestao 0 – 1 Athletic Bilbao
Club friendlies
18/12/2022 – Udinese 0 – 1 Athletic Bilbao
16/12/2022 – Athletic Bilbao 3 – 0 Burgos CF
Osasuna – Statistics & current form
Osasuna from Pamplona are considered one of the most complicated teams to play against in La Liga. A small squad, a good mix of experience and talent and a clear plan of how football should be played provides the appropriate structure. The most recent result was a narrow 2-1 at Gimnastic in the Copa del Rey, in which the team didn’t exactly struggle to the last.
Coach Jagoba Arrasate and his team can stand to hold on to a narrow lead. In La Liga, Osasuna are just in the top half of the table and also have the stamina and quality to end up up there. The visitors have won five of their last seven competitive matches, so their form is not exactly bad.
However, there have now been two defeats in a row in La Liga. But since these were close and came against FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad, the visitors were able to cope. Exciting: Osasuna have not conceded more than two goals all season
No spectacle at Osasuna
This also manifests itself in the statistics concerning goals. 16 goals scored by Osasuna, 16 conceded by the team. 32 goals scored in 15 games so far shows very clearly what to expect when the team from Pamplona takes to the pitch. It doesn’t matter whether Osasuna play with a three-, four- or five-man defence.
Two teams with a similar style of football will be facing each other. That’s why it comes down to a battle of attrition. For this reason, before the Athletic Bilbao vs Osasuna match, our value tip is that both teams will not score.
Predicted line-up of Osasuna:
Herrera – Pena, David Garcia, Unai Garcia, Sanchez – Torro, Moncayola – Gomez, Oroz, Ez Abde – Avila
Last matches played by Osasuna:
Copa del Rey
05/01/2023 – Gimnastic 1 – 2 Osasuna Pamplona
La Liga
31/12/2022 – Real Sociedad 2 – 0 Osasuna Pamplona
Copa del Rey
22/12/2022 – Arnedo 1 – 3 Osasuna Pamplona
Club friendlies
14/12/2022 – Girona 1 – 1 Osasuna Pamplona
13/12/2022 – Osasuna Pamplona 3 – 0 Brest
Athletic Bilbao – Osasuna Direct comparison / H2H record
Athletic Bilbao have a clear advantage in direct comparisons. The Basques have won 42 of the 86 direct duels. Osasuna, meanwhile, has only 19 victories. That is a clear tendency, which can be illustrated by the last results. Bilbao have picked up seven points from their last three matches against Osasuna.
Athletic Bilbao – Osasuna tip
Fans of many goals will probably not get their money’s worth in this match. Otherwise, the match between Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna could be quite exciting. Both teams have a lot to offer defensively and are well organised.
Because of the omens, our tip before the match between Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna is that less than 2.5 goals will be scored in this match.
