Preview: Osasuna-Sporting

The most important match of the season awaits Osasuna and Sporting Gijon when the relegation rivals face off at El Sadar on Saturday.

Back-to-back wins were ended by Atletico Madrid last weekend, but victory over Sporting would move Osasuna level with 19th-placed Granada and just seven points adrift of safety in La Liga.

“It’s our most important game of the season at home,” Coach Petar Vasiljevic said at a Press conference.

“Our opponents also have a lot of needs and these games must be played to the limit.

“We have many games that need playing to the limit and we must start now.”

The Pamplonans, however, have 11 players on the treatment table, whereas Sporting have just the three.

Three straight defeats have prevented the Asturians from capitalising on Leganes’ poor run, and boss Rubi hinted at a summer overhaul if his side failed to stay up.

“This is our most important week of the season because we’re playing for our futures,” he warned.

“Therefore, our objective is to win in Pamplona and be able to cut the gap on Leganes.”

Osasuna (probable): Sirigu; Bunuel, Oier, Vujadinovic, Fuentes, Clerc; Tienza, Roberto Torres, Causic; Kodro, Sergio Leon

Injuries/suspensions: David Garcia, Berenguer, Riera, Unai Garcia, Imanol, Loe, Tana, Javi Flano, Miguel Flano, Riviere, Digard (all injured)

Sporting Gijon (probable): Cuellar; Douglas, Babin, Mere, Canella; Moi, Vesga, Sergio; Carmona, Cop, Burgui

Injuries/suspensions: Lillo (I) Juan Rodriguez (I) Traore (I) Isma (S)

Referee: Gil Manzano

Form guide: Osasuna (L W W L L) Sporting (L L L D W)

Previous meeting: Sporting 3-1 Osasuna

Kick-off time: 17:30 BST/18:30 CET

La Liga - Club News