Eibar play host to Osasuna on Thursday evening with the opportunity to boost their chances of avoiding relegation from La Liga.

While the home side currently sit nine points above the bottom three, 11th-placed Osasuna are bidding to move into the top half of the standings.

Match preview

After witnessing his side fail to win any of their first three games upon the resumption of action, Osasuna boss Jagoba Arrasate would have had concerns that his team could still find themselves in a relegation battle.

However, back-to-back wins have lightened the mood at the El Sadar Stadium, effectively ensuring that the club have retained their top-flight status for another 12 months.

Although the narrow victories came against struggling Alaves and Leganes, they have provided last season's second-tier champions with the opportunity to claim an unlikely top-10 finish.

Of the league's big-hitters, only a trip to Barcelona lies in wait for Los Rojillos, only increasing the optimism which is now being felt by Arraste.

He will hope to see more from Enric Gallego, whose double against Leganes represented his first two goals of the season in all competitions.

Despite sitting six points adrift of opponents who have recorded maximum points from their last two outings, Eibar are the form team heading into this game.

Eight points have come from four fixtures, all of which came against clubs who are attempting to earn a place in next season's Europa League.

All things considered, those results are likely to make the difference when it comes to survival and relegation, and Jose Luis Mendilibar will feel that another triumph on Thursday will be more than enough to finish ahead of the bottom three.

While they face the possibility of failing to improve on last season's 12th position, a strong end to the campaign should keep Mendilibar in the dugout for a sixth year.

Eibar La Liga form: LLDDWW

Osasuna La Liga form: WDLLWW

Team News

Having scored his first goal of the season against Granada, Pablo De Blasis should retain his place on Eibar's right flank.

Barring any late fitness issues, Mendilibar could retain the same starting lineup after a four-day gap between games.

With Osasuna having an extra 24 hours of recovery, Arraste may also keep alterations down to a minimum.

After providing the assist for Gallego's dramatic last-gasp winner, Inigo Perez is in contention for a recall to the side.

Jon Moncayola may also be considered for a spot in the centre of midfield, potentially in place of Darko Brasanac.

Eibar possible starting lineup:
Dmitrovic; Correa, Burgos, Bigas, Soares; Alvarez, Diop; Blasis, Orellana, Inui; Garcia

Osasuna possible starting lineup:
Herrera; Vidal, U.Garcia, Hernandez, Estupinan; Torres, Moncayola, Merida, R.Garcia; Lopez, Gallego

We say: Eibar 1-1 Osasuna

With Osasuna having less pressure on their shoulders, we expect them to throw more caution to the wind than their hosts. However, with Eibar potentially being content with simply avoiding defeat, this game could end in a draw.