Elche vs Osasuna Prediction: Osasuna can win on the road

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Elche vs Osasuna Preview:

Osasuna are one of the form teams in La Liga right now, and they are away from home for the second Friday running, with Elche providing the opposition. 

The home team are heading in the opposite direction. They made a very positive start to life back in the top flight following promotion from the Segunda División. However, it's now just two points from six matches for Los Franjiverdes. They could even fall into the relegation zone this weekend if they lose this match, and other results go against them. 

Elche play a patient, possession-based game under the guidance of Eder Sarabia. They're averaging a 58.5% share of the ball, which is the third-highest figure in the Spanish top flight behind only Real Madrid and Barcelona. 

That style has been effective in many home matches, but it feels like teams are finding it easier to counter now. Elche have struggled to create clear chances in many fixtures, with their xG tally of 27.73 being the third lowest in La Liga. They've also been making frequent errors at the back in recent weeks, and have conceded three goals in each of their last three matches. 

A 3-1 defeat at Real Sociedad last weekend was their first outing since the end of a busy transfer window. It saw Elche cash in on their young midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, who joined Atlético Madrid in a €16m deal. Five new players arrived, including Tete Morente and Gonzalo Villar, who have both returned to the club after spells abroad. 

Osasuna also made two significant moves in January, by signing Raúl Moro for €5m from Ajax, and Javi Galán for €500k from Atleti. Those two players have been thrown straight into the team on the left flank by Alessio Lisci, and both look set to be really important figures. 

Recent results for Los Rojillos have certainly been promising. They've taken 10 points from their last four league matches, seeing off Real Oviedo, Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo. 

In such a tightly congested league, that run has totally transformed the outlook of their season. Only a few weeks back, they were very much in the relegation picture. The Pamplona-based side have since risen to ninth place, and another victory on Friday would push them firmly into European contention. 

Having the services of one of the deadliest strikers in La Liga is a massive advantage that Osasuna have over other clubs of roughly their size and stature. Ante Budimir is now just one goal shy of 50 in the Spanish top flight since the start of the 2023/24 season. That's an incredible return for anyone outside of the big three. 

A brilliant Budimir header helped secure a 2-1 victory at Balaídos last Friday, while wide player Víctor Muñoz has also stepped up in recent weeks. 

Team News: 

Elche will have to cope without centre-back David Affengruber due to suspension. Josan Ferrández and Héctor Fort are sidelined due to injuries again, while they have additional fitness doubts over both Grady Diangana and Buba Sangaré. 

Some changes are expected following the defeat at the Reale Arena last time out. Villar could make his first Elche start in more than six years in midfield. 

Lisci has less reason to make alterations to his Osasuna team. However, he does have midfield mainstay Lucas Torró available again, with the 31-year-old expected to return. 

The visitors will also be forced into a change in defence as a result of an injury for Enzo Boyomo. Jorge Herrando looks sure to take his place at centre-back.