Deportivo Alavés vs Osasuna Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips | FootballTips
Deportivo Alavés welcome Osasuna to the Estadio de Mendizorroza this Saturday evening for a La Liga clash that carries significant weight for the hosts’ survival hopes. With the season entering its final stretch, Alavés find themselves precariously positioned in 16th place, just two points clear of the relegation zone. Osasuna, sitting comfortably in mid-table at 10th, have little to play for but pride – though their recent dominance over Alavés suggests they may not make life easy for the strugglers.
The contrast in form between these two sides is stark. While Osasuna have found a consistent rhythm this campaign, Alavés have struggled to string together positive results. However, home advantage at Mendizorroza could prove crucial as Alavés desperately seek points to pull away from the drop zone. The reverse fixture in December saw Osasuna cruise to a convincing 3-0 victory at El Sadar, a result that underlined the gap in quality between these two sides.
La Liga Standings Context
With 29 games played, the La Liga table is beginning to take shape, and for Deportivo Alavés, the picture is concerning. They occupy 16th position with 31 points from 8 wins, 7 draws and 14 defeats. Their goal difference of -11 reflects a side that has struggled at both ends of the pitch, scoring just 30 goals while conceding 41. Manager Quique Sánchez Flores faces a monumental task to keep this side in the top flight.
Osasuna, meanwhile, sit in 10th place with 37 points. Their record of 10 wins, 7 draws and 12 defeats shows a team that has been competitive without ever threatening to break into the European places. A goal difference of -1 (34 scored, 35 conceded) paints the picture of a solid, if unspectacular, mid-table outfit under coach Vicente Moreno.
Predictions Summary
| Market | Prediction | Confidence | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Result | Osasuna Win or Draw (X2) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Osasuna unbeaten in last 10 vs Alavés (7 wins, 3 draws) |
| Both Teams to Score | No | ⭐⭐⭐ | Alavés have struggled for goals; Osasuna have kept clean sheets in 3 of last 5 vs Alavés |
| Over/Under 2.5 Goals | Under 2.5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Last 4 meetings produced 2 or fewer goals |
| Correct Score | Osasuna 1-0 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Tight affairs common when these sides meet |
Team News and Tactical Analysis
Deportivo Alavés
Quique Sánchez Flores has a full squad to choose from, with no major injury concerns reported ahead of this crucial fixture. The experienced manager, known for his pragmatic approach, will likely set his side up to be difficult to break down while looking to hit Osasuna on the counter.
In goal, Antonio Sivera has been the first-choice stopper and will need to be at his best to keep out an Osasuna attack that has found joy against Alavés in recent meetings. The defence is likely to feature Jon Pacheco and Nahuel Tenaglia, with Facundo Garcés providing experience at the back.
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Antonio Blanco and Ander Guevara expected to provide the engine room. Carles Aleñá offers creativity from deeper positions, while Jon Guridi provides defensive cover. The attacking burden falls on the likes of Toni Martínez, Kike García (if available), and potentially loanee Abde Rebbach, who has shown flashes of quality.
Alavés have managed just 30 goals in 29 league games this season, averaging just over one goal per game. Their inability to convert chances has been their Achilles’ heel, and Sánchez Flores will be demanding more clinical finishing from his forwards.
CA Osasuna
Vicente Moreno’s Osasuna side have no significant injury worries and could name a strong lineup. The coach has preferred a 4-1-4-1 or 4-4-2 formation this season, focusing on solid defensive organisation and quick transitions.
Between the posts, Sergio Herrera has been reliable, while the defence features the experienced Alejandro Catena alongside Jorge Herrando. Juan Cruz and Abel Bretones provide width from full-back positions, though they will be wary of Alavés’ counter-attacking threat.
In midfield, the combative Lucas Torró anchors the side, allowing Jon Moncayola and Aimar Oroz to push forward and support the attack. Moi Gómez and Rubén García provide creativity from wide positions, while Ante Budimir leads the line. The Croatian striker has been in decent form this season and will fancy his chances against an Alavés defence that has leaked goals.
Osasuna have found a good balance between attack and defence, and their mid-table security allows them to play with freedom – a dangerous proposition for a nervy Alavés side.
Head-to-Head Record
The recent history between these two sides makes grim reading for Alavés supporters. Osasuna are unbeaten in their last 10 meetings with Alavés, winning 7 and drawing 3. The aggregate score across those 10 games reads 15-4 in favour of Osasuna, highlighting the one-sided nature of this fixture in recent years.
The reverse fixture in December 2025 saw Osasuna run out comfortable 3-0 winners at El Sadar, with Budimir among the scorers. Last season’s meetings produced a 1-1 draw at Mendizorroza and a 2-2 thriller at El Sadar. Alavés have not beaten Osasuna in La Liga since their 2-0 victory back in September 2020.
At Mendizorroza specifically, the record is slightly better for Alavés – they have at least managed to pick up points in recent home meetings, with draws in two of the last three encounters. However, Osasuna’s 1-0 win here in the 2021/22 season shows they are capable of silencing the home crowd.
Recent Form Analysis
Deportivo Alavés
Alavés have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, picking up just 4 points from their last 5 matches. Their home form has been particularly concerning, with the side failing to capitalise on their fortress in Vitoria. Defeats to sides around them in the table have left them looking nervously at the relegation zone.
Their defensive record has been leaky, conceding 41 goals in 29 games – the third-worst defensive record in the division. While they have managed to keep things tight in some home fixtures, the pressure of the survival battle appears to be affecting their performances.
CA Osasuna
Osasuna have been the model of mid-table consistency. With nothing to play for in terms of European qualification or relegation, they have played with a freedom that has seen them pick up valuable points. Their away form has been respectable, and they have shown they can grind out results even when not at their best.
The psychological advantage of having already secured their safety cannot be understated. Osasuna can play without fear, while Alavés are weighed down by the pressure of the relegation battle.
Betting Odds and Best Bets
While specific odds are not yet available for this fixture, we can analyse the betting markets based on the data at hand. Osasuna will likely be slight favourites given their superior league position and dominant head-to-head record, though bookmakers may price this closer due to Alavés’ home advantage and desperation for points.
Our Top Tips
Osasuna Double Chance (X2): Given Osasuna’s unbeaten record against Alavés in their last 10 meetings, backing the visitors to avoid defeat looks a solid play. Alavés have struggled to find wins all season, and against a side that has their number, it is hard to see them breaking that duck.
Under 2.5 Goals: Four of the last five meetings between these sides have produced fewer than 2.5 goals. With Alavés struggling for firepower and likely to set up defensively, this match has all the hallmarks of a low-scoring affair.
Osasuna to Win to Nil: Osasuna have kept clean sheets in 3 of their last 5 victories over Alavés. With the hosts’ struggles in front of goal, this could offer value for punters looking for a bigger price.
Bookmaker Comparison
| Bookmaker | Home Win | Draw | Away Win | Claim Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bet9ja | Check Odds | Check Odds | Check Odds | Claim Offer |
| Betway Nigeria | Check Odds | Check Odds | Check Odds | Claim Offer |
| 22Bet Kenya | Check Odds | Check Odds | Check Odds | Claim Offer |
| 1xBet | Check Odds | Check Odds | Check Odds | Claim Offer |
| Odibets | Check Odds | Check Odds | Check Odds | Claim Offer |
Our Prediction
This is a fixture that Alavés desperately need to win, but history suggests that is unlikely. Osasuna have been their bogey team in recent seasons, and the psychological edge the visitors hold cannot be underestimated. We expect a tight, nervy affair with few clear-cut chances.
Final Prediction: Deportivo Alavés 0-1 CA Osasuna
Osasuna’s superior quality and the mental baggage Alavés carry into this game should see the visitors edge a narrow contest. Budimir or one of Osasuna’s midfield runners could prove the difference in a match low on entertainment but high on tension.
For value hunters, the Under 2.5 Goals market looks appealing, as does backing Osasuna to win to nil. The Double Chance on Osasuna offers the safest route for punters looking for a higher probability of returns.
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