Osasuna vs Atletico Madrid

Osasuna VS Atletico Madrid
19/10/2009, 03:00

Osasuna are sitting in 12th spot, and to be honest that is just about right for a team of their stature. They have lost 3 of their last 5 games in the League, against Tenerife, Sevilla and Getafe. They beat Real Valladolid and Sporting Gijon. At home, Osasuna have been decent, losing just 1 of their last 5. Not losing does not mean winning though, and they have actually struggled to produce wins, registering just 2 victories in their last 7 at home in the League. They welcome the visit of an Atletico Madrid side that sit in 14th spot - for their standards, that is just unacceptable. Atletico Madrid have made some headway in recent years, and I think their mini successes are getting to their head. Prior to their win against Real Zaragoza last time out, Atletico Madrid went 7 games without a win in all competitions, losing to Malaga, Barcelona and Porto, and drawing with Racing Santander, APOEL, Almeria and Valencia. Their form away from home has been shocking, losing 3 and drawing 1 of their last 4, and they need to buckle up their ideas if they were to avoid a defeat today.

Osasuna manager Jose Antonio Camacho is missing Jokin Esparza, Eduardo Fernandes and Roversio Rodrigues. Carlos Aranga is still troubled by a niggling injury and he needs to pass a late fitness test in order to play. Cesar Azpilicueta returns and he should slot right into the back four for the home side. Former Birmingham striker Walter Pandiani must do well upfront, and he needs to get adequate support from Iranian midfielder Javad Nekounam and promising 24-year-old Juanfran. For Atletico Madrid boss Javier Aguirre, he is without Roberto Jimenez and Mariano Pernia, while Ignacio Camacho and Leandro Cabrera have been omitted. Aguirre welcomes back the services of Raul Garcia, Sergio Asenjo and Dominguez though. Diego Forlan will not participate in proceedings having arrived back late from Uruguay, meaning Argentine international Sergio Aguero is likely to partner former Liverpool man Florent Sinama Pongolle upfront. Simao must impress down the right wing, and the likes of Cleber Santana, Paulo Assuncao and Jose Jurado must all deliver in midfield.

This is tough game for Atletico Madrid, especially without Diego Forlan. Atletico Madrid have not enjoyed travelling to Osasuna. Their last 9 visits to Osasuna's Reyno de Navarra in Pamplona have resulted in just 1 win. Osasuna have won 7 during this time, with the other one drawn. It seems quite clear that these teams have very rarely drawn with each other in the past, and as such I believe there should be a winner out of this one. As much as I would like to say Atletico Madrid are going to make it, I feel they have been very disappointing. Sergio Aguero was hailed as one of the players to watch leading up to the new season, but the lack of support from the other big guns like Maxi Rodriguez, Raul Garcia, Simao Sabrosa and Diego Forlan means the little Argentine has struggled for form. I have never been a fan of Osasuna, but with the shape Atletico Madrid are in at the moment, I have little choice but to back the home team seeing as they are the safer bet on the level handicap.

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