Osasuna vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting Tips (31 January)

Since its bad week with a 1-0 defeat in the league against Girona followed by an elimination on penalties against Real Sociedad in the 1/8 finals of the Copa del Rey, Osasuna has found its way to victory by offering itself two successive victories in the elite. Against Oviedo at home 3-2 and last weekend on the lawn of Rayo Vallecano 1-3. The residents of El Sadar have therefore moved up to 9th place in the La Liga standings. For its part, the Yellow Submarine had an excellent opportunity to make a comeback in the standings on Real Madrid by welcoming them last Saturday at the Ceramica but it did not succeed in containing the offensive force of a certain Kylian Mbappé, author of a double 2-0 defeat. For the record, last year already, Mbappé had allowed Real Madrid to win at Villarreal by scoring a double.

Now 4th following the success of Atlético Madrid at the same time, Villarreal will be keen to recover, especially since the King's Cup adventure ended rather prematurely at the round of 16 stage, losing against Racing Santander 2-1. To talk about the Champions League, Marcelino's men were playing in Leverkusen this week, as part of their last game in C1 since they were already eliminated before even playing the match and they lost heavily again 3-0. Let us remember, however, that the last match played away for Villarreal ended with a defeat at Betis Sevilla 2-0. 

Italian coach Alessio Lisci will once again be able to count on Catena, back from suspension, but not on the long-term injured Iker Benito (end of season). Suffering from a stomach disorder, striker Becker was not at Rayo Vallecano and remains uncertain. His absence was not felt since Ante Budimir, Croatian international was on the trip and he scored his 9th goal in La Liga this season. On paper, the Basque squad is complete with notably the offensive V.Munoz (ex-Real Madrid), Ruben Garcia (2 goals, 4 assists in La Liga). Loaned by Atlético Madrid, Javi Galan continues his tenure as left back. On the other hand, the Tricolore Valentin Rosier (arrived from Leganes last summer) is essential today. Very recently, the leaders brought back Raul Moro (ex-Valladolid) to Spain after a tumultuous spell at Ajax while Manu Rico (Huesca, loan) should play with the reserve. Marcelino still has to deal without Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes and Kambwala, all three of whom have been absent for a very long time now.

Let us add to this list the presence in the infirmary of starting defender Juan Foyth, who was injured against Real Madrid last weekend (ruptured Achilles tendon). Suspended for Madrid, right-back Mourino and midfielder Comesana (2 goals, 2 assists in La Liga) will be eligible again for the former OM coach. Renato Veiga (on loan from Chelsea for the season) should occupy the central hinge while offensively, there is choice with Ayoze Perez (2 goals, 3 assists in La Liga), uncertain for today, Gerard Moreno (5 goals in La Liga), G.Mikautadze (5 goals, 3 assists in La Liga), N.Pépé (2 goals, 2 assists in La Liga), Buchanan (5 goals in Liga) and especially Alberto Moleiro, top scorer for this team in La Liga with a total of 8 goals in addition to his 3 assists. Recently, Villarreal decided to send Ilias Akhomach on loan to Oviedo in order to recover Alfsonso Gonzalez on loan from Sevilla FC. The latter will miss this first meeting (injured).

• Summary: Osasuna is going head to head with Villarreal starting on 31 Jan 2026 at 15:15 UTC at Estadio El Sadar stadium, Pamplona city, Spain. The match is a part of the LaLiga .
• Osasuna Feedinco Rating: 6.81
• Villarreal Feedinco Rating: 6.89