Sevilla host Osasuna this Saturday at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán in the tenth round of LaLiga EA Sports, a key match for a home side looking to rediscover winning ways after a tough run. The visitors arrive with momentum from a cup win but a very poor record as away team in the domestic league.
Osasuna manager Luis García Plaza has confirmed three players are out for the match: defender Unai Herrando, midfielder Javi Aimar and forward Aimar del Castillo. Also, right-back Javi Rosier is carrying minor issues after the game against Racing de Santander, meaning his deputy, Iker Arguibide, is the main candidate to start on the right flank. "The hunger to compete is what defines this team," García Plaza stated about his squad's attitude.
In goal, the question is whether Aitor Fernández or Sergio Herrera will start. The probable lineup considered by the Navarrese coach is a 4-2-3-1 with Aitor Fernández; Arguibide, Boyomo, Catena and Abel Bretones; Torró and Moncayola; and Rubén García, Moi Gómez and Dubasin supporting centre-forward Ante Budimir. The team has called up 23 players for the trip to Sevilla.
Osasuna have managed just one win in their last ten trips to Sevilla's ground, a historical statistic that looms over the preview. Their only away victory in this league campaign came weeks ago, so improving their performance on the road is a clear objective. García Plaza's side currently sit twelfth in the standings, with eleven points, three fewer than this weekend's opponent.
For Sevilla, sixth with 14 points, this match is a chance to end a streak of negative results. The team has not won since September 11th, when they beat Valencia (1-0), and in their last five games they have recorded just one win, one draw and three defeats. The most recent was a heavy 4-1 loss at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid on October 18th.
The Sevilla manager, however, has positive news on the injury front. Players Kochorashvili, Stassin and Guridi are available, and Isaac Romero is back after serving a suspension. This greater squad depth could be key in trying to overcome an Osasuna side that, despite its problems, always shows fight. The match, kicking off at 21:00, is an unmissable fixture in the matchday schedule.
The report in full is at as.com
