Seven points apiece: Alaves and Osasuna target a place closer to Barcelona

Two unbeaten sides meet with seven points each

Alaves and Osasuna arrive at Estadio Mendizorrotza level on seven points after three La Liga matches, with both teams recording two wins and one draw. Sunday’s meeting, scheduled for 16:30 UTC, gives each side an opportunity to keep pace with Barcelona, who lead the table on nine points. Alaves currently sit fifth on goal difference, while Osasuna are sixth.

The early momentum is positive for both teams, although their recent sequences differ slightly. Alaves have won, drawn and won in their last three matches, while Osasuna’s most recent-first record is draw, win, win. Neither side has lost, so the result could provide an important early indication of which team can remain closest to the leaders as the regular season develops.

Alaves’ home strength against Osasuna’s away record

Alaves have been particularly reliable in Vitoria-Gasteiz. They have won both home matches, scoring four goals and conceding none, with two clean sheets. Their preferred shapes have been the 5-3-2, used twice, and the 3-5-2, used once. Those formations suggest a flexible approach built around a back three or five, with the midfield numbers likely important in controlling the centre of the pitch while two forwards provide an outlet.

Osasuna have also won their only away match, scoring twice and conceding once. Their formations have varied across the opening three games: 5-4-1, 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 have each been used once. That variety gives them several ways to respond to Alaves, whether through a more compact shape or with additional support behind the forwards. However, they have not kept an away clean sheet, an area Alaves will look to test.

Díaz and Budimir carry the main threat

M. Díaz is Alaves’ leading attacking reference in the available scorer data, with two goals and two assists in three appearances. His combined contribution makes him central to the hosts’ hopes of extending their perfect home record. For Osasuna, A. Budimir has scored twice in three appearances and represents their clearest proven source of goals so far.

Absences could shape the approach

Alaves will be without F. Garces through suspension and T. Martinez because of a foot injury, while M. Rodriguez is questionable with an ankle injury. Osasuna are missing J. Herrando through injury and A. Oroz because of a muscle injury; V. Rosier is doubtful with a hamstring problem. These unavailable players may encourage both coaches to rely on their established formations and keep the game structurally controlled.

Prediction

Alaves 1-1 Osasuna. Alaves’ home defensive record is outstanding, but Osasuna’s unbeaten start and Budimir’s scoring form should be enough to earn a point in a meeting between closely matched teams.