- Espanyol have a recent run in their last five matches (W2, D2, L1) and have won their only home game so far this season.
- Osasuna sit 10th in LaLiga with 3 points from 2 games, one point less than Espanyol who are 7th after a solid start.
Espanyol can edge an important early-season encounter
A tight, competitive, and closely contested LaLiga game could be on the cards when Espanyol play host to Osasuna in the early kick-off on Sunday. This RCD Espanyol vs Osasuna preview suggests both teams are evenly matched and will be eager to claim the points.
Espanyol have taken 4 points from their opening two LaLiga matches to put themselves in a good early position in the table. They drew their away game, a gutsy 2-2 draw at champions Real Sociedad last weekend, and won their only game so far at RCDE Stadium.
Manolo Gonzalez took over the reins at Espanyol in March 2024 and has instilled a tough-to-play-against 4-4-2 system that focuses on compactness, quick play out wide and getting the ball into the box on set pieces. They are as happy to sit deep and counter, as they are to press and push on with the game.
Home advantage could help Espanyol edge it
Osasuna manager Alessio Lisci has also left his mark on his team in his first few weeks in charge, fostering a high-pressing, direct, vertical, second-ball style of play. Club personnel are more mobile and hungry to win the football.
Ante Budimir is leading the line up front with 1 goal in 2 games in LaLiga while Valentin Rosier has provided the vision for Osasuna’s direct game plan, notching up 1 assist in the same number of matches.
Osasuna will be fresh from their 1-0 home win over Valencia CF in their most recent LaLiga matchup, a result that saw them bounce back from their defeat at Real Madrid. Our RCD Espanyol vs Osasuna prediction highlights that they come into this game with mixed form across their last 5 games (W2, D2, L1) and could do with a win to establish momentum.
An early test for the managers’ stamp
Espanyol are a slight favorite at 2.38, with Osasuna coming in at 3.10. For those seeking RCD Espanyol vs Osasuna betting tips, backing Espanyol double chance (win or draw) at 2.38 is my preferred play here, as they have won their only home game so far and have some momentum behind them.
A draw also looks likely at 3.20, so we’re not talking about a landslide victory for the home side, but this could be a hard-fought battle for Osasuna, who are unlikely to break through an Espanyol side that have shown themselves to be solid at home.
The RCD Espanyol vs Osasuna prediction offers an interesting test of both managers’ stamping their mark on their respective sides, with Osasuna’s pressing style up against Espanyol’s compactness and transition play. If Osasuna can dominate the midfield and get the second balls, they could pinch this one, but the hosts have the advantage of the crowd and some good momentum to carry them through.
