Osasuna vs Real Betis preview - Record man Punal targeting three points

Posted Sunday, October 21, 2012 by PA

Midfielder Patxi Puqal will break Osasuna's club record of 463 appearances should he start as expected against Real Betis this weekend, but the 37-year-old is more concerned about the Pamplona side getting a much needed win.

Jose Luis Mendlilibar's men sit just one place from the foot of the table after taking just four points from their opening seven games and with their home form usually so crucial to their hopes, a positive result against Betis is a must.

He told the club's website: "I want to play on Sunday, to be in the team when the game finishes and hope that everything goes well. The recognition will obviously move me, but I have my head focused on the importance of the match.

"Above all the most important thing is that we beat Betis. We need this victory. At this stage of the season there is an imbalance in the table and there have been other years when we have been very worried. We know we won't solve everything tomorrow, but we also know that the group is good and although it will be hard we will move forward."

Marc Bertran is the only absentee for the hosts so Oier Sanjurjo will continue at right-back.

Betis meanwhile are in a much healthier position as they currently sit in the Champions League places and striker Jorge Molina believes dealing with Osasuna's robust style will be key to their chances of success.

He told Betis Radio: "We are going to try to do something important, which is take three points away from home, and if we play well then even better. What we want to do is win the match, it will be a difficult game played in a very direct style but we will have to be attentive so that they don't cause us problems."

The visitors will also be missing Spanish international Beqat through suspension, but Molina is confident that the strength of depth in the Betis squad will shine through.

"Over the course of the season there are injuries and suspensions and it is important that whoever plays does well. We know we will miss Beqat but whoever comes in for him will do very well. We are not worried about his absence."

Jose Caqas is the favourite to be his replacement, whilst Mario is also suspended so Chechu Dorado could come into the centre of defence.