Osasuna vs Real Madrid Prediction: Ante Budimir to get on the scoresheet

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Osasuna vs Real Madrid Preview:

Real Madrid are the new leaders of La Liga after Barcelona slipped to a surprise defeat at Girona earlier this week. Los Blancos have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top when they travel to Osasuna on Saturday. 

Despite issues on and off the pitch, and a change in the dugout with Álvaro Arbeloa replacing Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have reeled off eight straight victories in the league. While they've rarely looked convincing this term, the individual quality that exists in this squad has been sufficient to win 79% of their matches. 

The current leaders are on track for a 95-point season, which would be their joint-third highest ever tally. However, there is certainly a greater risk of more slip-ups over the remaining months as the Champions League action heats up. 

There may come a point when the pursuit of a record-extending 16th European title takes precedence over La Liga, and we could see some light rotation this weekend. This match falls in between the two legs of their play-off tie against Benfica. 

Real Madrid are in a strong position to secure progress, after a brilliant goal from Vinícius Júnior secured a 1-0 win in Lisbon last week. That match was overshadowed by allegations of racist abuse made by the Brazilian against the Portuguese team's Gianluca Prestianni. 

The second leg of that tie at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday is shaping up to be a heated affair, but Los Blancos can't afford to look too far ahead, with in-form Osasuna expected to give them a real test this weekend. 

The Pamplona club made quite a slow start to the campaign under their new boss Alessio Lisci. The 40-year-old was a summer appointment from second-tier Mirandés, where he built a really competitive young side that was capable of playing attacking football. 

There was little sign of that in the early days at El Sadar, but gradually the Lisci project at Osasuna is starting to take shape. 22-year-old Víctor Muñoz has begun to impress with his pace and technical quality in the final third, and he won't be lacking motivation against his former club this weekend. 

Osasuna also spent €5m in January to sign 23-year-old Raúl Moro from Ajax. His arrival gives them another option in an attack that is still spearheaded by Ante Budimir. The experienced striker was the third-highest scorer in La Liga last season, and he ranks fourth this time around with 11 goals in 23 appearances. 

Los Rojillos have hit form of late, with three wins and two draws from their last five outings in La Liga. They held high-flying Villarreal to a 2-2 draw in their last outing at El Sadar, but it was a less convincing display in a goalless encounter at struggling Elche last time out. 

Team News: 

Osasuna are set to be missing two players as they target a major scalp on home soil. Iker Benito and Enzo Boyomo are both sidelined due to injuries. 

Muñoz has also been a minor fitness concern, but he's set to be available for the visit of the club he departed in the summer. Lisci may also recall Jon Moncayola in midfield. 

As for Real Madrid, there is uncertainty across the pitch as Arbeloa weighs up whether or not to rest players ahead of the second leg against Benfica. Some light changes are expected, with the likes of Franco Mastantuono, Dani Carvajal, Gonzalo García, and Dani Ceballos pushing for recalls. 

Kylian Mbappé has been dealing with a knee issue over the past few weeks, which again raises doubts about his participation in this game. The Frenchman was an unused sub for the 4-1 win over Real Sociedad last weekend, but did play in the Champions League. 

Éder Militão and Jude Bellingham will definitely miss out again, while Rodrygo is an additional fitness concern.