Osasuna vs Celta Vigo prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-02-03 15:15.
For the fourth consecutive time in La Liga, Osasuna lost to Barcelona by the smallest possible margin as they went down 1-0 at Estadi OlĂmpic LluĂs Companys. After his side completed the sixth of their last seven games across all competitions with a one or a zero next to their name on the scoresheet, boss Jagoba Arrasate again lamented his side’s inefficiency in attack that saw them fail to convert their chances into goals.
Osasuna appear set for mid-table mediocrity after losing their six league encounters against clubs in the top five, but should welcome an opportunity to bounce back against the struggling Celta Vigo. Not only have they fared well at home to current bottom-half opposition this league season (W3, D1, L0), Osasuna are also unbeaten in five home league H2Hs since 2016/17 (W2, D3) which should offer a timely confidence boost.
After 30 years of senior team management, Celta Vigo manager Rafael BenĂtez knows this pressure all too well. The club’s masterplan to have the legendary coach deliver them a successful centenary year went even further off track after a pair of home La Liga losses either side of their elimination from the Copa del Rey. As a result, BenĂtez has had to publicly address calls for his resignation, insisting he’ll see out his “three-year project” at the club.
Some fans may forgive that their three consecutive competitive losses were to high-flying Sociedad (twice) and Girona (once), especially if they can return to the football that saw them lose just one of their seven prior La Liga games (W2, D4) – a run which kept them narrowly out of the relegation zone after the last round. They also ought to be encouraged by their La Liga away record of W1, D4, L2 to clubs joining them and Osasuna outside the top five.
Players to watch: RaĂşl GarcĂa opened the scoring in two of Osasuna’s last three home La Liga games, each of which they won. Nobody would be more delighted to hit the road than Celta Vigo’s Anastasios Douvikas, whose nine goals across all competitions this season have come away from home.
Hot stat: Just two of Celta Vigo’s league games this season resulted in a 2+ goal margin, a joint league low ahead of this matchday.