After another exciting weekend of La Liga action, Monday sees a game that could be vital to who makes the European places as Atletico Madrid travel to Pamplona to take on Osasuna (Osasuna 9/4, draw 11/5, Atletico 6/5).
Both sides currently sit just outside the European places and will be looking to take three points from their rivals in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter at the Reyno de Navarra.
Once again Osasuna continue to confound the critics and, despite being one of the smallest clubs in the league, are more than holding their own. However, they haven’t won for six games and are currently on the slide after making a superb start to the season.
Their problems have coincided with a bad run of injuries and the Navarrans (11/1 to win 2-1) are like to be without Ion Echaide, Roversio and Ruben Rocha while full-back Damia will miss the game though suspension. However, Jose Luis Mendilibar has built his side on hard work and team spirit and won’t be fazed by so many absentees.
Their key man is likely to be midfielder Javad Nekounam who, after a difficult start to his time in Spain, is now seen as one of the best players in the league. The Iranian cuts an imposing figure in the heart of midfield but his real strength lies in his passing game and his distribution will be vital as his team look to break down the Madrid rearguard.
Once again, despite having one of the best squads in the country, Atletico have failed to deliver the goods on a consistent basis this season but their form has picked up significantly since the appointment of former captain Diego Simeone at the end of 2011.
The Argentine was known for his determined style of play and this is exactly what ‘Los Rojiblancos’ have been missing and, having guided them to two wins from his three league games, he appears to have already stamped his mark on the side.
Atletico (12/1 Europa League outright) have a number of key players suspended for the match with both Diego and Gabi missing out, so there will be even more expected of Columbian striker Radamel Falcao. The talented forward initially struggled to settle into Spanish football following his summer transfer from Porto but has now hit 14 league goals this season and is apparently being linked with a move one of Europe’s premier clubs.
With Osasuna likely to try and play a physical style, Falcao’s ability to hold the ball up and bring others into the game will be vital if his team are to get a result.
Falcao could be the difference in Pamplona and his and Atletico’s extra quality should see the team from the capital through. However, Mendilibar’s team won’t go down easily so expect a superb encounter at the Reyno de Navarra (Atletico 6/1 to win 1-0).
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