Introduction

As La Liga pushes forward into the new year, Osasuna prepares to welcome Almeria to the iconic Estadio El Sadar in Iruñea for what promises to be an enthralling encounter. Scheduled for January 4, 2024, this clash pits a mid-table Osasuna against an Almeria side battling at the bottom of the standings. With both teams eager to secure crucial points, the stage is set for a competitive matchup.

Match Analysis

Osasuna has displayed a mixed bag of results lately, having a form record of LWDDL. A noteworthy aspect of their game has been consistency in finding the back of the net, as they have scored in 7 out of their last 10 matches. However, defensively, they have shown some frailties, particularly highlighted in their recent 3-2 loss to Mallorca. Osasuna sits at 12th in the standings, indicating an overall average performance this season.

On the other hand, Almeria is in a precarious situation, with their form reading LDLDL, indicating a struggle to notch up wins. While they managed to put two past a strong Barcelona side, their inability to keep the goals out has contributed to their last place at 20th in La Liga. In their last 10 outings, Almeria scored in 5 matches but conceded in 8, which suggests that they have offensive capabilities that are marred by a leaky defense.

Recent Form

- Osasuna has won 2, drawn 3, and lost 5 of their previous 10 matches.
- Osasuna has scored in 70% of their last 10 matches but conceded in 80%, indicating a tendency to be involved in high-scoring games.
- Almeria has recorded no wins, 3 draws, and 7 defeats in their last 10 appearances.
- Almeria has scored in 50% of their last 10 matches and conceded in 80% of them, demonstrating their struggle to maintain clean sheets.

Head to Head

- Osasuna has been dominant in recent head-to-head fixtures, winning 4 out of the last 5 encounters.
- Almeria has managed only 1 victory in their last 5 meetings against Osasuna.
- The previous match at Estadio El Sadar saw Osasuna defeating Almeria with a scoreline of 3-1.
- Matches between these two teams have averaged 2.4 goals per game.

- Osasuna wins: 80%
- Almeria wins: 20%
- Draws: 0%

Prediction

Given Osasuna's comparatively stronger form and home advantage, as well as their historical head-to-head superiority, the prediction leans towards an Osasuna victory. Yet, considering Almeria's capacity to score coupled with Osasuna's defensive vulnerabilities, it is plausible to expect goals from both sides.

Betting tips for this match could include:
- Full-time scoreline favoring Osasuna.
- Both teams to score (Yes), considering the recent trend of both teams finding the net.
- Over 2.5 goals, given the leaky defenses and Osasuna’s scoring streak at home.
- Asian Handicap could be used to give Almeria a +1.5 advantage for safer margins.
- Osasuna to win either half, as they are likely to dominate at least a portion of the game.

The match poses a significant opportunity for Osasuna to climb higher in the league table and for Almeria to attempt a revival. Yet, the odds and statistics suggest that Osasuna will be the smiling side by the final whistle.