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

Osasuna will host Real Valladolid at El Sadar on Saturday afternoon in what will likely be a gritty encounter between two of La Liga's most industrious outfits.

Osasuna have found a hot vein of form in recent weeks, while Valladolid are also undergoing a bit of a renaissance as they continue to fight for their La Liga credentials.

Match preview

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After spending a long period of the campaign in the bottom reaches of the division, Jagoba Arrasate's Osasuna side have really turned their fortunes around over the last few months.

Prior to last weekend, Osasuna had picked up three wins from their last four league ties. However, against Barcelona last time out, Arrasate's men were beaten 2-0 at El Sadar.

After the game, Arrasate told reporters: "We had a moment, at 0-1, when it looked like we could tie the game with crosses from the flanks, but it didn't last long and it wasn't possible... We have to pick ourselves up now because we have another game on Saturday."

Fortunately for Osasuna, the Pamplona-based outfit come into this weekend's clash with history on their side, as they have only lost one of their last six top-flight games against Valladolid.

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After a period in which they started to look like prime relegation candidates, Sergio's Real Valladolid side have put in some impressive performances in recent weeks and climbed to 16th in the standings.

Last time out, Valladolid managed to get the best of relegation rivals Getafe in a 2-1 at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla.

Sergio's men were quick out of the blocks in that tie, with Oscar Plano and Shon Weissman picking up the necessary goals to comfortably see out the game.

As the season progresses, it is beginning to look like Valladolid have what it takes to remain in the top flight. Victory against Osasuna would enormously help their cause.

Team News

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Arrasate will be without a number of first-team regulars for this tie. Midfielder Inigo Perez and defender Facundo Roncaglia are both out injured.

Other Osasuna absentees include Ruben Martinez and Ezequiel Avila.

Likewise, Sergio also has a number of absentees to contend with this weekend, with midfielder Pablo Hervias and star forward Maranhao both out injured.

Defender Raul Garcia and Kiko will also be unavailable for this tie.

Osasuna possible starting lineup:
Herrera; Nacho Vidal, Aridane, D Garcia, Sanchez; Torres, Lucas Torro, Moncayola, R Garcia; Calleri, Barja

Real Valladolid possible starting lineup:
Roberto; Janko, Fernandez, Yamiq, Olaza; Plano, Mesa, Ruben Alcaraz, Orellana; Weissman, Guardiola

We say: Osasuna 2-2 Real Valladolid

On paper, Osasuna are the more likely candidates for the win, but Valladolid are playing with a desperation that tends to make even the most unlikely outcomes possible. We think this one is destined to end in a stalemate.