Osasuna vs. Espanyol — Sunday, May 18, 18:00 — Live on LaLigaTV and Premier Player
After a thrilling yet disappointing FA Cup final, it’s time to shift gears and dive into the action-packed matches of La Liga. While our hopes for a delightful victory were dashed when Kevin De Bruyne’s late shot narrowly missed, we’re turning our attention to Sunday’s exciting slate of games.
As we enter the penultimate round of La Liga fixtures, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With various positions still up for grabs, expect both Osasuna and Espanyol to fight tooth and nail for victory on Sunday.
Osasuna is aiming for European qualification, currently locked in a points tie with eighth-placed Rayo Vallecano. With only two games remaining, a win is crucial for them.
On the flip side, Espanyol knows that a single victory is essential for avoiding relegation worries. If they manage to clinch a win, they’d secure their spot in the division for next season. With 18th-placed Leganes playing against the relegated Las Palmas, the pressure is undoubtedly on Espanyol.
Leg 1: Pol Lozano to Receive a Card
Prepare for a tense, hard-fought encounter! Given the immense pressure each team is under, it’s likely that we’ll see several cards handed out. Both teams rank among the top half in the league for cards received, and we have a solid referee at the helm: Francisco Jose Hernandez Maeso, who averages an impressive five cards per game this season, placing him eighth on the strict list.
For our betting strategy, we recommend focusing on players likely to see yellow. Let’s begin with Espanyol’s midfielder Pol Lozano.
Lozano has accumulated a remarkable 11 cards in just 25 league starts this season and will be up against Osasuna’s most-fouled players, including Aimar Oroz, Bryan Zaragoza, and Pablo Ibanez.
To complete the double, we turn to Osasuna’s most carded player this season, Alejandro Catena. He has been shown a card in 13 of his last 28 matches but can be backed for a respectable 11/4.
Catena will be facing off against two players skilled at drawing fouls: Roberto Fernandez, averaging 1.68 per 90 minutes, and attacking midfielder Edu Exposito, who elevates that average to 2.11. The conditions are set for a memorable showdown.
Are you ready for the action? Be sure to tune in this Sunday and keep your fingers crossed for our selections!
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