Elche vs Osasuna – News and Probable Lineups

Elche will seek to prevent a fourth consecutive defeat in Spain’s premier division as they return to action with a home game against Osasuna on Friday evening.

The home side currently occupies 15th place in the La Liga standings, just two points clear of the relegation zone, while Osasuna holds the ninth position, trailing sixth-placed Espanyol by five points.

Match overview

Elche hasn’t claimed victory in La Liga since their 4-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in their last game of 2025, securing only two points from their past six league encounters.

This disappointing stretch has caused Eder Sarabia’s team to edge closer to the relegation spots, with 24 points accumulated from 23 matches, leaving them in 15th place, just two points above 18th-placed Rayo Vallecano.

However, Elche is only four points away from 10th-placed Athletic Bilbao, indicating that the standings could shift dramatically, and a win on Friday would elevate Los Franjiverdes on the table.

Sarabia’s squad boasts the seventh-best home record in La Liga this season, gaining 20 points from 12 fixtures, and they will host an Osasuna team that has only managed two away victories during the 2025-26 season.

Historically, Elche has seen success against Osasuna, winning only nine out of their last 33 encounters in all competitions, with their most recent victory over Osasuna dating back to November 2015.

The first fixture between the teams this season ended in a 1-1 stalemate, and the last encounter at Elche’s home ground in January 2023 also concluded with the same scoreline.

Osasuna heads into this match in commendable form, having secured three wins and one draw in their last four league outings, including a recent 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo.

Alessio Lisci’s squad currently holds a record of eight wins, five draws, and ten losses across their 23 league games this season, with 29 points placing them ninth on the table.

Osasuna is just five points shy of sixth-placed Espanyol, making them very much in contention for a European spot as the 2025-26 season approaches its climax.

Nevertheless, Lisci’s side must enhance their away performance to be genuine contenders for the top six, considering their disappointing tally of eight points from 12 away games.

Elche La Liga form:

Led

Elche form (all competitions):

DLLLLL

Osasuna La Liga form:

Golden

Osasuna form (all competitions):

Math

Team News

Elche will be without the important defender David Affengruber on Friday due to suspension, following the accumulation of yellow cards against Real Sociedad.

The on-loan Barcelona defender Hector Fort remains unavailable due to a shoulder injury, while Rafa Mir (muscle) and Josan (muscle) are also expected to miss the match.

Andre Silva scored against Real Sociedad last time and is expected to be partnered in attack by Alvaro Rodriguez.

On the other hand, Osasuna will see the return of Lucas Torro after he served a suspension against Celta, but Jon Moncayola and Iker Benito will continue to be sidelined due to injuries.

Flavien Boyomo needs to be evaluated following an ankle injury sustained against Celta, and it is unlikely that he will be fit to start on Friday.

Ante Budimir has found the net 11 times in 22 appearances in La Liga during a challenging season, and he will once again feature prominently in the attacking line.

Elche probable starting XI:

Pity; Donald, Chust, Bigas, Petrot, Valera; Diangana, Neto, Febas; Rodriguez, Silva

Osasuna probable starting XI:

Herrera; Rosier, Herrando, Catena, Galan; Torro, I Munoz; V Munoz, Oroz, Moro; Budimir

Osasuna are performing significantly better, yet Lisci’s team has faced challenges on the road this season, while Elche has shown strength at home, suggesting that a draw might be on the horizon this Friday night.