Espanyol vs Osasuna
November 20, 2007
This is a tie of the clubs that are currently the most opposing trends in the league, while Espanyol is on a winning streak, Osasuna are finding it difficult to sustain their opposition and hence while Espanyol are jumping places upwards, Osasuna are slipping towards the bottom places. Espanyol have probably struck gold and with Tamudo delivering almost at will, the striker looks unstoppable. Along with him Luis Garcia, Zabaleta and Riera also look in good shape and will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak to nine after this away encounter at Reyno de Navarra.
If the current form is an asset for Espanyol it will be a curse for Osasuna, they have been struggling to get off the bottom half this season and received another setback last week being beaten by Recreativo Huelva. The area where they have been struggling is defense and have been often been beaten on that aspect. The home side will be expecting Eduardo Day and Punal to deliver in the front as well as Ricardo will be expected to perform his task as usual. Ricardo has been remarkable for the team but he alone cannot win matches. Osasuna will have the home advantage but will feel the pressure as well because a victory for Real Betis and Deportivo and a home loss put them just a spot above the bottom three.
Espanyol will be hoping to follow up their win over Athletic Bilbao with another victory and probably a jump in the position as well but Osasuna will be equally desperate to stay away from the relegation zone. If played as per the potential the match should be a thriller to the core with both teams looking out for an out right victory. Espanyol surely looks the stronger side but upsets are no new things in a football field and that is something the Osasuna fans will be hoping for.
Prediction: 2-1, Espanyol win
