Atletico Madrid vs Osasuna predictions for this La Liga clash. Atletico Madrid aim for a fifth consecutive La Liga win against Osasuna in Sunday’s penultimate match of the season. Read on for our free La Liga predictions and betting tips.
La Liga | Gameweek 37 – May 19, 2024 at 6pm UK at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano
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Atletico Madrid vs Osasuna Predictions
Atletico’s Winning Streak: Can Osasuna Halt Their Momentum?
Key Stats
– Atletico Madrid have won their last four La Liga matches.
– Osasuna have lost all seven matches against the top four teams this season.
– Antoine Griezmann has scored 16 goals in La Liga this season.
Atletico Madrid are gearing up to host Osasuna in a match that could significantly impact their final standings in La Liga. With Diego Simeone’s side already securing a Champions League spot, they aim to continue their winning streak to potentially overtake Girona for third place. Meanwhile, Osasuna look to finish their season on a positive note despite a recent poor run of form.
Atletico Madrid’s Momentum
Atletico Madrid have been on an impressive run, winning their last four league matches. Their recent 3-0 victory over Getafe showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Currently sitting fourth in the table with 70 points, Atletico are just two points behind third-placed Girona. Simeone’s squad has displayed resilience and consistency, particularly at home where they have accumulated 49 points from 18 matches.
The team’s attacking unit, led by Antoine Griezmann, has been in fine form. Griezmann, who netted a hat-trick against Getafe, continues to be a pivotal figure. With a balanced midfield and a robust defence, Atletico have managed to blend their traditional defensive style with a more dynamic offensive approach. The return to form of key players has also been crucial in their late-season surge.
Osasuna’s Struggles
Osasuna, on the other hand, have endured a difficult period, managing only one win in their last nine league games. They currently sit 13th in the table with 41 points. Despite securing their top-flight status for another season, their recent performances have been underwhelming. Successive draws against Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca have extended their winless streak to six matches.
Manager Jagoba Arrasate is preparing to step down at the end of the season, which might be affecting the team’s morale and performance. Osasuna have struggled particularly against top-tier teams, losing all seven encounters with the top four this season. Their defensive frailties and lack of attacking impetus have been evident throughout this poor run.
Expected Lineups and Tactical Setups
Atletico Madrid:
Possible Starting XI: Oblak; Llorente, Witsel, Gimenez, Hermoso, Lino; De Paul, Koke, Saul; Correa, Griezmann
Atletico are likely to stick with a similar lineup that dominated Getafe. With Griezmann and Correa up front, they will aim to combine their defensive strength with quick transitions and clinical finishing. The midfield trio of De Paul, Koke, and Saul provides both defensive cover and creative spark, while the defence, marshalled by Oblak, remains solid.
Osasuna:
Possible Starting XI: Fernandez; Pena, Catena, Herrando, Cruz; Moncayola, Munoz, Ibanez; Ruben Garcia, Budimir, Arnaiz
Osasuna are expected to make some adjustments with Ibanez returning from suspension and Budimir fit again. The focus will be on maintaining a compact shape and trying to hit Atletico on the counter. The midfield trio will need to work hard to disrupt Atletico’s rhythm and provide service to their forwards.
Key Areas and Player Duels
Midfield Battle: Koke vs. Moncayola Koke’s ability to control the tempo and orchestrate play will be crucial for Atletico. Moncayola’s defensive duties and his ability to break up play will be vital for Osasuna to prevent Atletico from dominating possession.
Defensive Solidity: Gimenez vs. Budimir Gimenez will be tasked with keeping Budimir, Osasuna’s top scorer, at bay. Budimir’s physical presence and aerial ability will challenge Atletico’s defence, requiring Gimenez to be at his best.
Attacking Threat: Griezmann vs. Catena Griezmann’s movement, creativity, and finishing make him a constant threat. Catena’s defensive positioning and ability to read the game will be crucial in containing Griezmann’s influence.
Tactical Insights and Managerial Analysis
Atletico Madrid
Strengths:
- Solid defensive structure with a strong home record.
- Effective counter-attacking play.
- High-quality attacking players in Griezmann and Correa.
Weaknesses:
- Occasional lapses in concentration leading to goals conceded.
- Over-reliance on key players for creative output.
- Potential for complacency with Champions League spot secured.
Osasuna
Strengths:
- Compact defensive setup.
- Resilience and ability to fight back.
- Effective set-piece strategies.
Weaknesses:
- Poor form against top-tier teams.
- Lack of consistent goal-scoring options.
- Defensive errors leading to goals.
Managerial Critique
Diego Simeone Simeone has masterfully guided Atletico to another top-four finish. His ability to instill a winning mentality and adapt tactically has been crucial. However, his sometimes overly cautious approach has been criticised, especially in matches where a more aggressive strategy could yield better results.
Jagoba Arrasate Arrasate’s tenure at Osasuna has seen mixed results. While he has managed to keep the team in La Liga, their recent form has been poor. His inability to inspire consistent performances, particularly against stronger opponents, has been a major drawback. His departure could be seen as an opportunity for the team to bring in fresh ideas.
Expected Gameplay and xG Analysis
Atletico’s expected goals (xG) average reflects their ability to create high-quality chances, primarily through quick transitions and set-pieces. Osasuna’s xG, on the other hand, indicates their struggles in front of goal, often relying on set-pieces for scoring opportunities. Atletico are likely to dominate possession and look to break down Osasuna’s defence with patient build-up play and incisive passing.
Predictions
Best Bet: Atletico Madrid to Win and Both Teams to Score
Atletico’s strong home form and Osasuna’s defensive vulnerabilities suggest a win for the hosts. However, given Osasuna’s occasional ability to score, both teams finding the net seems probable.
Correct Score Prediction: Atletico Madrid 3-1 Osasuna
Considering Atletico’s attacking prowess and Osasuna’s defensive issues, a 3-1 scoreline in favour of Atletico is a reasonable prediction. This aligns with the expectation of both teams scoring and Atletico securing a comfortable win.
Goalscorer Prediction: Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann, having scored a hat-trick in the previous match, is in fine form and will be the key threat for Atletico. His creativity and finishing make him the most likely candidate to score at least once.
First Half Result: Atletico Madrid Leading
Atletico’s tendency to start strong, especially at home, suggests they will take an early lead. Osasuna’s recent form indicates they might struggle to keep up initially, making an Atletico lead at halftime likely.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Corners Over 9.5
Both teams average a significant number of corners per game. Atletico’s aggressive attacking style and Osasuna’s reliance on set-pieces could lead to numerous corners, making over 9.5 a plausible prediction.
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