Real Sociedad vs Osasuna - prediction, team news, lineups

[(Real Sociedad) Strength]:
1. Real Sociedad, three-time winners of the Spanish Copa Del Rey, place great emphasis on this competition and are determined to lift the trophy again since their 2019-20 triumph. Currently sitting 11th in the league with 21 points, they find themselves in a comfortable mid-table position, with a noticeable gap to both European qualification and the relegation zone. This relatively low pressure in the league allows them to focus more intently on their cup campaign.
2. In the last round of La Liga, Real Sociedad won 2-1 against Getafe CF thanks to goals from Brais Mendez and Jon Aramburu.
3. Real Sociedad have achieved 2 wins and 2 draws in their last 4 matches, remaining unbeaten and in excellent form. In the last La Liga round, they defeated Getafe CF 2-1.
4. Real Sociedad have achieved 3 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in their last 6 home games. Their home performance is acceptable. In their last home game, they drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid.
5. In the last four encounters between the two sides, Real Sociedad have won all four games, holding a clear advantage in the head-to-head record.
6. The AH line is -0.5 for the home side, which is in favor of Real Sociedad.

[(Real Sociedad) Weakness]:
1. Real Sociedad have conceded six goals in their last five matches, and the team's recent defensive performance has been rather mediocre.

[(CA Osasuna) Strength]:
1. CA Osasuna, having never won a major trophy in their history, hold a deep desire for Spanish Copa Del Rey success. Currently sitting 15th in the league with 19 points, they find themselves in a secure mid-table position with minimal relegation pressure and no European commitments, allowing them to channel greater focus and resources into their cup campaign.
2. CA Osasuna signed left-back Javier Galan from Atletico Madrid in the winter transfer window. This experienced veteran can effectively enhance the depth of the defense.

[(CA Osasuna) Weakness]:
1. CA Osasuna have only managed one win, two draws and two losses in their last five matches, showing a relatively weak winning ability. In the last La Liga round, they lost 0-1 away to Girona FC.
2. CA Osasuna have only managed one draw and two losses in their last three away games. The team's recent away performance has been poor.
3. CA Osasuna have conceded 14 goals in their last 10 matches, and the team's defensive performance has been rather lackluster recently.
4. CA Osasuna won only 1 of their last 4 games in AH.

[Tips]:
Real Sociedad are in excellent form, having gone unbeaten in their last four matches with two wins and two draws. In contrast, CA Osasuna have managed only one win, two draws, and two losses in their past five outings, highlighting their recent struggles to secure victories.

Real Sociedad's key advantages lie in their formidable home atmosphere, a relatively solid overall defense, and a clear objective to compete for the Copa del Rey title. Their core strategy will be to leverage their home strength, aim to score first, and exploit the vulnerabilities in their opponents' defensive setup.

In the last four encounters between the two sides, Real Sociedad have won all four games and hold a clear psychological advantage.

To sum up, Real Sociedad are expected to defeat CA Osasuna at home in this match and advance to the next round.

[Recommended]:
Real Sociedad (-0.5)