As the La Liga season edges closer to its dramatic conclusion, the match between Almeria and Osasuna on March 30, 2024, at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos, holds significant intrigue for both sets of fans.
With Almeria fighting for survival and Osasuna eyeing a top-half finish, this encounter is set to be a fiercely contested battle.
Current Form
Almeria's Current Form
Almeria, currently languishing at the bottom of the table, finally broke their winless streak with a narrow 1-0 victory over Las Palmas.
This win, their first in the league this season, has injected a glimmer of hope into their relegation battle, although they still find themselves in a precarious position, 14 points adrift of safety.
The appointment of Pepe Mel as head coach has brought a renewed sense of optimism, with the team looking to build on their recent success.
Osasuna's Current Form
On the other side, Osasuna comes into this match following a 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid, marking their second consecutive loss.
Despite their mid-table standing, they remain ambitious, with aspirations of securing a place in the top half of the league.
Their away form will be crucial in achieving this goal, having amassed 15 points from 14 away fixtures so far.
Team News
Almeria Team News
Almeria faces several injury concerns, with Bruno Langa, Luis Suarez, and Ibrahima Kone all sidelined.
However, they will be buoyed by the return of Edgar Gonzalez and Dion Lopy from suspensions, potentially offering Pepe Mel additional options in midfield and defence.
Osasuna Team News
Osasuna will also be without a few key players due to injuries and suspensions.
Unai Garcia, David Garcia, and Kike Barja are all out, while Lucas Torro will miss the match due to suspension.
These absences will likely force coach Jagoba Arrasate to make adjustments to his lineup, particularly in defence and midfield.
Key Players
Almeria's Key Players
For Almeria, Leo Baptistao, who scored the crucial goal against Las Palmas, will once again be the focal point of their attack.
His ability to find the back of the net could prove vital in their quest for survival.
Osasuna's Key Players
Osasuna will rely on the prowess of Iker Munoz, whose performance off the bench against Real Madrid highlighted his potential to influence the game.
His attacking threat will be essential for Osasuna as they look to bounce back from their recent defeats.
Scoreline Prediction
Given Almeria's desperate situation and Osasuna's fluctuating form, this match is poised to be a tightly contested affair.
Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, but with Almeria's newfound confidence and Osasuna's resilience, a draw seems the most likely outcome.
A 2-2 scoreline would reflect the competitive nature of the match and the balance of play between the two sides.
FAQ
Who is the key player for Almeria? Leo Baptistao is a crucial player for Almeria, especially after scoring the winning goal in their last match.
What is Osasuna's current position in La Liga? As of now, Osasuna is positioned in the mid-table, specifically in 12th place.
What are Almeria's chances of avoiding relegation? Almeria faces a tough battle to avoid relegation, needing a significant turnaround in their remaining fixtures.
When is the match scheduled? The match is scheduled for March 30, 2024, at 3.15 pm UK time.
Almería 
Osasuna 
