Neighbours Alavés and Osasuna meet in a derby match in La Liga this weekend. The hosts are attempting to build on a bright start at Mendizorrotza.

Alavés hit by Martínez blow

Heading into the season, Alavés were touted as potential relegation candidates, but they’ve so far defied all expectations. Home wins over Getafe and Villarreal leave them in the top six of the table, but they’ve lost key striker Toni Martínez to injury.

Martínez is one of the best targetmen in La Liga, with an average of 3.3 aerial challenges won per game this term. His absence means Lucas Boyé and Mariano Díaz may be deployed in attack here. Mariano has started the season well, with two goals and two assists across three substitute appearances.

Otherwise, there are few selection issues for Quique Sánchez Flores. Midfielder Mikel Rodríguez is the only additional fitness doubt.

Alavés predicted lineup vs Osasuna (5-3-2): Sivera; Á. Pérez, Tenaglia, Koski, Jonny, Rebbach; Blanco, Ibáñez, D. Suárez; Mariano, Boyé.

Budimir delivering again as Osasuna target third win

Osasuna have also made a strong start to the campaign under their new boss Luis Miguel Ramis. Two goals in as many matches from veteran striker Ante Budimir have sealed back-to-back wins for Los Rojillos.

The visitors will be forced into two changes following the victory over Getafe last time out. Both Jorge Herrando and Aimar Oroz have picked up injuries. That could lead to opportunities for Raúl Moro and Enzo Boyomo.

Valentin Rosier is an additional fitness concern for Ramis. The ex-Burgos boss has built his reputation based on defensive football and he’ll be looking for Alejandro Catena to be his leader at the back. The 31-year-old is averaging six clearances per game so far in La Liga 2026/27.

Osasuna predicted lineup vs Alavés (4-2-3-1): Herrera; Arguibide, Boyomo, Catena, Bretones; I. Muñoz, Moncayola; Rubén García, M. Gómez, Moro; Budimir.

Alavés vs Osasuna Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Under 2.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.53 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Alavés 1-1 Osasuna
  • 22Bet Booking Code: C75HU

Key stats:

  • Four of the past five meetings between the clubs in Vitoria have produced two or fewer goals.
  • Including friendlies, only three of the previous 10 Alavés fixtures have ended with more than two goals.
  • Osasuna matches so far this term average just 1.33 goals.

Ramis will set up his Osasuna side in a defensive fashion, with two holding midfielders protecting the back four. They’ve looked solid so far, conceding just once in three matches.

As the home team, the onus will be on Alavés to play on the front foot. However, they will struggle to play to their usual strengths without Martínez, who scored 32% of his team’s league goals last term. A low-scoring game is expected and under 2.5 goals is the smart bet.

Alavés vs Osasuna Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Draw
  • Odds: 3.06 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: RUNHU

These sides are quite evenly matched in terms of overall quality and the recent history of this fixture suggests backing a draw offers value at 3.06.

Three of the last four meetings between the clubs have finished level. Alavés have failed to win any of their last five home games against Osasuna, with the past two finishing level.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals (1.53) — Alavés 1-1 Osasuna