Osasuna play host to Getafe on Sunday afternoon looking for the victory which would strengthen their spot in the top four of the La Liga table.

In sharp contrast, the visitors find themselves in the relegation zone, despite recording their first win of the season last time out.

Match preview

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Having ended the last campaign on a six-match winless streak, there was little optimism at Osasuna heading into the new campaign.

That is no longer the case with Jagoba Arrasate's side collecting 12 points from their opening five matches, their only defeat coming by a 1-0 scoreline at Real Betis.

Osasuna are yet to score more than twice in a single game, but just three goals have been conceded in 450 minutes of football in Spain's top flight.

Last time out, Chimy Avila netted his third strike of the campaign as Los Rojillos posted a 1-0 victory away at division newcomers Almeria.

However, with trips to Real Madrid and Villarreal to come after the international break, Sunday's fixture feels important as they bid to keep themselves in close proximity to last season's champions and Barcelona.

When including friendlies, Getafe had gone nine matches without success since edging out Preston North End on July 12, not the ideal run ahead of facing the likes of Real Sociedad.

That was particularly true given that they had lost 5-1 at Valencia in their previous game, but Quique Sanchez Flores's side rose to the occasion to get their first league victory of the season on the board.

Goals either side of half time from Enes Unal and Carles Alena earned their side a 2-1 success, moving Getafe to within three points of eighth position.

Although Sanchez Flores will certainly not be getting carried away, Azulones are now in a better frame of mind as they bid to move closer to the mid-table positions before the international break.

Team News

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Arrasate is highly unlikely to make any alterations to the Osasuna XI which started the win at Almeira.

While Ruben Pena, Aimar Oroz and Iker Benito are each nearing returns from injury, the trio would only feature among the replacements at best.

Getafe are boosted by the return to the squad of Mauro Arambarri, who missed the win over Real Sociedad through suspension.

Although the Uruguayan will be considered for a recall in central midfield, Sanchez Flores may not be prepared to make changes to a winning team.

Omar Alderete, Luis Milla and Djene Dakonam are all doubts due to injury.

Osasuna possible starting lineup:
Herrera; Vidal, U. Garcia, D. Garcia, Cruz; Torro, Brasanac; Avila, R. Garcia, Gomez; Budimir

Getafe possible starting lineup:
Soria; Suarez, Duarte, Mitrovic, Alvarez, Angileri; Alena, Algobia, Maksimovic; Unal, Mayoral

We say: Osasuna 2-1 Getafe

After their triumph last week, Getafe will fancy their chances of upsetting the odds in this fixture. However, it is difficult to back against Osasuna right now, particularly at home, and we feel that they will edge this contest by the odd goal in three.

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