Overview
Osasuna entered the weekend match after a minimal 0-1 defeat to Valencia, the result ended their 6-match unbeaten streak in La Liga.
Previously, coach Alessio Lisci's team had a period of sublimation when they won 4 out of 6 matches from January 17 to February 2, thereby rising to 10th place in the rankings.
Currently, Osasuna is only 7 points behind Celta Vigo in sixth place and still hopes to compete for a European cup spot next season. Los Rojillos' success this season is mainly built on their impressive performance at home.
After 12 home matches in La Liga this season, Osasuna has won 24 points and only lost 2 matches. Head-to-head statistics are also supporting the home team El Sadar. Osasuna is unbeaten in the last four matches against Mallorca in the league, although 3 of those matches ended in a draw, including a 2-2 draw in the first leg at the beginning of the season.
The last time Mallorca defeated Osasuna was in December 2023 and they have only won one of the last seven encounters between the two teams. This season is also going very difficult for Mallorca. The team nicknamed Pirates is struggling in the relegation battle in La Liga.
Coach Martin Demichelis was newly appointed at the end of February, but his debut was not smooth when Mallorca lost 0-1 at home to Real Sociedad.
The Balearic island team has currently lost 4 consecutive matches in La Liga. Their last victory was a 4-1 victory over Sevilla in early February. After 29 rounds, Mallorca is ranked 18th with 24 points, 2 points behind 17th-placed Elche and only 3 points ahead of Levante - 19th-placed team.
Personnel situation
Osasuna will welcome the return of striker Aimar Oroz after this player's one-match suspension expires. Iker Benito is still sidelined for a long time due to a knee injury, but apart from that, the El Sadar home team almost has full force for the reception of Mallorca.
In attack, Ante Budimir continues to be Osasuna's biggest hope. The Croatian striker is having an impressive season with 14 goals in all competitions and is likely to still lead the home team's attack.
On the other side, Mallorca is still missing Takuma Asano, Jan Salas and Marash Kumbulla due to injuries, but apart from these three cases, the away team does not have any more worrying problems in terms of force.
Mallorca also owns a striker who is in high form, Vedat Muriqi. The Kosovo striker has scored 16 goals in La Liga this season and continues to be the most dangerous spearhead of the team.
Mallorca's starting lineup is unlikely to change much, as Samu Costa is expected to continue to play a key role in midfield.
Expected lineup:
Herrera, Rosier, Catena, Herrando, Galan, Moncayola, Torro, Munoz, Oroz, Moro, Budimir.
Roman, Maffeo, Valjent, Raillo, Mojica, Darder, Mascarell, Costa, Joseph, Muriqi, Virgili.
The match between Osasuna and Mallorca takes place at 8:00 PM on March 7th (Vietnam time).
