Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Deportivo Alaves have been poor since the surprise appointment of Eduardo Coudet and they continue their fight against relegation with a clash with European chasing Rayo Vallecano.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday 29th March, 2025: UK – 5:30pm / US ET – 2:30pm / US PT – 11:30am
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Alaves Preview: Alaves need a spark
In the winter, Deportivo Alaves took the fairly bizarre decision to part company with Luis Garcia Plaza and replace him with former Celta Vigo boss Eduardo Coudet. Things have not gone to plan as they sit outside of the relegation places on goal difference.
The Basque side come into this one on the back of an improved run of form before the March international break but they did most recently blow a two-goal lead in the Canary Islands against Las Palmas, conceding in the 90th and 95th minute in that game.
Rayo Vallecano Preview: Lightning Rayo
Rayo Vallecano, with Andoni Iraola’s former assistant coach Inigo Perez at the helm, have been very impressive throughout their season as they rediscover their intense style of football and push for a top eight finish and European qualification in La Liga.
The Madrid-based outfit went into the March international break on the back of a poor run of form, though. Their 2-2 draw with Real Sociedad at Vallecas means they are now winless in their last five matches in La Liga.
Alaves Team News: A few doubts
Deportivo Alaves are dealing with a few injury doubts ahead of the visit of Rayo this week as experienced midfielder Carlos Benavidez is potentially unavailable alongside both Tomas Conechny and Toni Martinez.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Jesus Owono; Tenaglia, Abqar, Santiago Mourino, Manu Sanchez; Carlos Vicente, Joan Jordan, Ander Guevara, Carles Alena; Carlos Martin, Asier Villalibre
Unavailable:
Questionable: Carlos Benavidez (Injured), Conechny (Injured), Toni Martinez (Injured)
Rayo Vallecano Team News: Lejeune suspension
Former Newcastle United centre-back Florian Lejeune is missing through suspension for Rayo this week as they make the trip to the Basque Country. His fellow defender, Abdul Mumin, is also unavailable due to a knee injury.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Auguste Batalla; Ratiu, Balliu, Aridane Hernandez, Pep Chavarria; Ciss, Pablo Diaz; Jorge de Frutos, Oscar Trejo, Alvaro Garcia; Sergi Guardiola
Unavailable: Lejeune (Suspended), Mumin (Injured), Nteka (Injured), Sergio Camello (Injured)
Questionable: Isi Palazon (Injured), Raul de Tomas (Illness)
Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction
Alaves play quite an entertaining style of football and that was the overall intention with Eduardo Coudet’s appointment to replace Luis Garcia Plaza. That hasn’t led to immediate results but they do pose more of a threat in the final third. They face a Rayo Vallecano side that play an intense style but it is reliant on a few key attackers, although they are now missing several of those. Given that, as well as their home advantage, siding with Alaves may well be the way to go for this one.
Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano Tip: Double chance – Alaves to win or draw
