Osasuna - Espanyol

Osasuna face a significant test of character this Saturday, 12 September 2026, as they return to Estadio El Sadar for matchday 5 of the LaLiga season. The hosts are looking to recover from a heavy 5-2 defeat against Deportivo Alaves last time out, a result that exposed defensive vulnerabilities they will be keen to address. The challenge is compounded by a mounting injury list, with Aimar Oroz, Moi Gomez, and Jorge Herrando all sidelined for the fixture. The expected XI, led by forward Ante Budimir, must find the composure that saw them secure a narrow 1-0 win over Getafe just two weeks ago.

Espanyol arrive seeking consistency after a 1-1 draw with Sevilla halted a brief two-match losing streak. The visitors have struggled to find rhythm, falling to both Real Sociedad and Real Madrid in recent outings. History between these sides remains tight, with Espanyol claiming a 2-1 victory in their most recent meeting on 17 May 2026. With Marko Dmitrovic expected in goal and a midfield anchored by Edu Exposito, the visitors will look to exploit any lingering uncertainty in the Osasuna ranks to leave with a positive result.