MY ACCOUNT
After four games of the new LaLiga season, Osasuna have been the surprise package so far and find themselves in the top six in the table.
Even though it is still early in the campaign, three wins in the first four games has left the pundits wondering whether they might be European contenders.
After winning promotion to the Spanish top flight last term, Almeria have made a solid enough start with four points from their opening four matches and are looking for back-to-back home wins.
Team news
Almeria are likely to make at least two changes, with the hosts set to be missing their skipper Cesar de la Hoz and Brazilian defender Rodrigo Ely due to injury.
Arnau Puigmal and Kaiky are expected to replace the absent duo, whilst Almeria are still looking for a permanent replacement in the squad for striker Umar Sadiq, who was sold on deadline day to Real Sociedad.
Meanwhile, Osasuna are expected to have Lucas Torro available as the midfielder has recovered from an issue he picked up in the win over Rayo Vallecano.
Ruben Pena has been struggling with a knock and Monday’s game may come too soon for the former Villarreal defender.
Youth team star Aimar Oroz scored in last weekend’s victory and the 20-year-old is expected to keep his place in the starting XI.
The stats
Osasuna are unbeaten in the last five league meetings against Almeria and have won 1-0 on their last two visits to the Power Horse Stadium.
Jagoba Arrasate’s men have only played one away game to date, losing 1-0 at Real Betis in Game Week 3.
When also taking into account last season’s form, Osasuna have failed to win in their last four away league games – two draws followed by two defeats.
Almeria have made a solid start to life back in the top flight, recording one win, one draw and two losses – with one of the defeats coming at home to defending champions Real Madrid.
Former Manchester United youngster Largie Ramazani has made an impact for the hosts this season, bagging two goals in their previous two home games.
The danger man for Osasuna is Argentinian forward Ezequiel Avila, with the 28-year-old on the scoresheet twice this term, having bagged six times last season on his return following a long-term knee issue.
Prediction
With Almeria still getting to grips with the demands of the top flight, Osasuna look to have a perfect chance to continue their fine start to the season.
The visitors have only failed to score once in their opening four games and have been getting numbers forward, highlighted by the fact they have already been awarded three penalties – more than any other team in La Liga.
It could also be a busy day for referee Javier Iglesias, who has already dished out 12 yellow cards in his first two matches this season.
Almeria have picked up 18 cautions in their opening four games, while opponents Osasuna have collected 12 yellow cards to date.
