Granada V Osasuna
Friday 18 October 2019 – 20:00 Kick-Off
Spanish La Liga
Pick: Draw
Odds: 2/1
Bookmaker: Bet365
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/5 | 39/20 | 23/10 |
* (All betting odds displayed were correct as of 17 October 2019 at 21:35)
Preview: This would have been a fixture in the Spanish second tier last season. Granada and Osasuna would both secure promotion to La Liga at the end of 2018/19, and both have made encouraging starts to 2019/20. So this should be a decent contest at Neuvo Los Carmenes, the residence of Granada who are bidding to win for the third consecutive game at home.
Spanish Football Betting – 22Bet
Granada Preview – El Grana to make it three home wins on the spin?
This was a fixture Granada (4th – W4 D2 L2, GF15 GA10) scored in both halves of a 2-0 victory last season, en route to finishing as runners-up in the Segunda Division behind the same team. It is they, however, who have made the stronger start upon their return to Spain’s top tier – although not by much, it has to be said – and will approach this clash not only full of confidence but as favourites to record another win.
Victory would be number five of what has been a tremendous campaign thus far. It would also provide the perfect riposte to losing 4-2 away to Real Madrid immediately before the international break. That was only a second loss of the season for manager Diego Martinez, who would have been naturally very disappointed that his team were unable to extend a five-game unbeaten run but, nonetheless, encouraged by another spirited performance, almost fighting back from a 3-0 deficit at the Bernabeu.
Martinez and his troops should appreciate a return to home comforts, though, where their form has been strong (W2 L1, GF3 GA1) and where they will be bidding to win a third consecutive league fixture. Bottom side Leganes (1-0) were the latest to be beaten at Neuvo Los Carmenes, though that scalp wasn’t nearly as impressive as when they confidently dispatched of the champions, Barcelona (2-0). Meanwhile, all four league victories were accompanied by clean sheets.
Osasuna Preview – Draw specialists to nullify another rival?
The start Osasuna (9th – W2 D5 L1, GF7 GA7) have made to this season hasn’t quite gone unnoticed but certainly hasn’t received the sort of spotlight enjoyed by that of their opposite numbers, this despite only losing one match so far – a feat only Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid can either match or better. Although the fact a majority of their fixtures have ended in stalemate might serve as an explanation as to why that is.
No team in La Liga has drawn more frequently than Osasuna, whose games do not typically feature very many goals, with six of their eight contest producing two goals in the match or fewer. The latter applies to each of their four away encounters thus far, with contests at Leganes (W0-1), Levante (1-1), Valladolid (1-1) and Real Madrid (L2-0) all tight affairs. It was also on their travels where the team were at their least productive last term, losing on seven occasions but going undefeated at home throughout 2018/19.
The recent international break probably came at the inopportune moment as well, with Osasuna securing only a second league win of the season a fortnight ago. It was an impressive success no less, coming from behind and limiting a free-scoring Villarreal to only one goal in a 2-1 victory at their home in Pamplona. Coach Jagoba Arrasate will hope none of that momentum has subsided in the period since.
Granada V Osasuna Key Facts:
- Granada have lost just two of their opening eight league games (W4 D2 L2) and are seeking a third consecutive home win (W2 L1).
- Osasuna have been beaten only once this season (W2 D5 L1) but have not won away since the opening weekend (W1 D2 L1).
- This same fixture was won 2-0 by Granada last season, who are unbeaten in seven previous home meetings (W3 D4).
Betting Summary
Granada, who won this same meeting 2-0 in the league below last season, will come into the latest renewal of this fixture as favourites, and deservedly so on the back of some superb early exploits in La Liga. Only the famed three of Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid are above them in the standings. Furthermore, only two teams have registered more goals (15), while a win would be their third in a row on home soil (W2 L1).
Osasuna have quietly enjoyed a very promising start to life back in La Liga. Jagoba Arrasate’s team have only tasted defeat on the one occasion – at Real Madrid (2-0) – and sit in the comfort of mid-table as a result (W2 D5 L1). Not won on their travels since the opening weekend though, which was against a Leganes side currently bottom, and haven’t managed more than one goal in any of their four away outings so far.
Although Granada have been impressive at times in front of goal, a lot of their goals (12 of 15) were netted away. Meanwhile, Osasuna matches are typically low-scoring as they strive to make themselves incredibly difficult to beat. Therefore this should be another competitive encounter. Under 2.5 Goals could land but is thin at 1/2 (Bet365), however there is value in a sixth draw of the season for stalemate specialists Osasuna.
