Preview: Osasuna vs. Atletico Madrid - predictions, team news, lineups

Osasuna prepare to welcome European hopefuls Atletico Madrid to the Estadio El Sadar as La Liga enters its second round of fixtures since returning amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The two sides both played out 1-1 draws at the weekend and will be looking to get their first wins on the board since the restart.

Match preview

Osasuna's first game back in La Liga was a visit to Champions League-chasing Real Sociedad on Sunday, and Jagoba Arrasate's team did well to salvage a point against the fourth-placed side after a three-month hiatus.

That result means Osasuna remain 11th in the table on 35 points after 28 matches, and there is little pressure on Los Rojillos for these final few games of the season.

Indeed, Osasuna currently lie 11 points off the European places and 10 clear of the relegation zone, and therefore Arrasate's side realistically have little to play for in the next couple of months.

Osasuna made their return to the pinnacle of Spanish football last year following a triumphant Segunda Division campaign, and barring a major dip in form as the season draws to a close, Arrasate can look forward to another stint in La Liga with the Reds.

Osasuna's most recent home game before the shutdown ended in a 1-0 victory over the league's basement side Espanyol, although they have only won two of their last eight matches at the Estadio El Sadar.

Meanwhile, Atletico more or less picked up where they left off as they drew their third La Liga game in succession against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

It has been a less-than-ideal campaign for Diego Simeone's side this term as they sit sixth as things stand, although they are only one point behind Getafe and Sociedad in the battle for a Champions League spot.

Prior to the shutdown, Atletico shared the spoils with Sevilla and Espanyol following their most recent victory over Villarreal, and Simeone's side need to start converting draws into wins if they are to finish the campaign in the top four.

Only Real Madrid (3) have lost fewer games than Atletico (4) this season, but Simeone's side have drawn on 13 occasions - including four of their last five.

It is hard to forget Atletico sending Liverpool crashing out of the Champions League following that dramatic victory at Anfield just before the lockdown period, but Los Colchoneros must now turn their attention to the midweek clash with Osasuna as they aim to record their first away league victory since December.

Goals from Alvaro Morata and Manchester United-linked Saul Niguez set Atletico on their way to a 2-0 victory when the sides last locked horns in December, and three points for Simeone's side could see them rise two places into fourth depending on results elsewhere.

Osasuna La Liga form: LWLLWD

Atletico Madrid La Liga form: WDWDDD Atletico Madrid form (all competitions): WWDDWD

Team News

Osasuna forward Ruben Garcia is available for selection having served his suspension against Sociedad, and the Spaniard is in contention to start alongside Adrian Lopez as part of a front two.

Arrasate will definitely be without Chimy Avila for the visit of Atletico, while Robert Ibanez and Kike Barja are also doubtful for Wednesday's clash.

Atletico will be able to call upon Joao Felix as he returns from a one-match ban, meaning that Marcos Llorente could drop to the bench.

Felipe has been struggling with a thigh problem but the centre-back may be available for Wednesday, although Sime Vrsaljko remains on the treatment table.

Simeone also has options out wide to switch up as fixtures come thick and fast, with Thomas Lemar and Angel Correa both in line to make the starting XI.

Osasuna possible starting lineup: Martinez; Vidal, Hernandez, D. Garcia, Estupinan; Torres, Oier, Brasanac, Perez; Lopez, R. Garcia

Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup: Oblak; Trippier, Savic, Gimenez, Lodi; Koke, Partey, Saul, Lemar; Costa, Felix

We say: Osasuna 1-2 Atletico Madrid

Atletico will know that they cannot afford to drop two more points as they fight for their place among Europe's elite, and although they are facing an Osasuna side that can be difficult to break down, we expect Simeone's men to just about get the job done in midweek.