High-flying Osasuna can further boost their European hopes with three points from this match, but they will first have to beat resurgent Atletico Madrid.

Having spent last few seasons fighting for La Liga survival, Osasuna surprised everyone with the strong start to the current league campaign.

However, with obvious lack of quality in the side, los Rojillos were always going to end the good run of results at some point and start slipping down the La Liga standings.

That is exactly what is happening at the moment, with Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side largely struggling for form over the last few weeks.

Boasting a record of two draws and three defeats in their last five games in all competitions, Osasuna are definitely not worth backing here, even if Victor Chandler pays 3.40 (12/5) on home win.

Keeper Ricardo misses out through gastroenteritis, whereas Masoud Shoajei, Kike Sola, Ibrahima Balde and Roversio remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Fernandez – Bertran, Sergio, Miguel Flano, Satrustegui – Nekounam, Punal – Cejudo, Garcia, Lamah – Lekic.

Slow starts are becoming a sort of tradition for Atletico Madrid, so nobody was surprised to see los Colchoneros struggle at the start of the league campaign despite the heavy summer recruitment.

The team have been showing glimpses of quality under Gregorio Manzano, but it wasn’t until Diego Simeone took over that they started finally playing to their potential.

The former Atletico Madrid player masterminded a goalless draw away to Malaga in his first game at the helm, before convincing victories over Villarreal and Real Sociedad proved that the club chiefs have made the right decision in appointing the Argentine.

The players are now brimming with confidence after the string of sensational performances and odds of 2.40 (7/5) offered by 888sport on away win look too good to pass.

Gabi Fernandez and Diego miss out through suspension, whereas Antonio Lopez is the only injury worry at the moment.

Starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Courtois – Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Filipe Luis – Koke, Tiago, Mario Suarez, Turad – Adrian – Falcao.