Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano on and what time does it start? Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano will take place on Wednesday 31st January, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano on in the UK? Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano in the UK? Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
ATLETICO MADRID
In the last 12 months or so, Atletico Madrid have attempted to adapt their style of football under the management of Diego Simeone. Los Rojiblancos have, though, still managed to throw in the occasional terrible result to undermine their chances of seriously challenging for the title this season with the aim being to ensure a top four spot.
They do come into this one on the back of a very comfortable and impressive 2-0 defeat of Valencia in their most recent outing at the weekend with goals coming from Samuel Lino and Memphis Depay. That means that Atletico have suffered just two defeats in their last nine matches across all competitions with those losses against Real Madrid and league leaders, Girona.
RAYO VALLECANO
A turbulent and disappointing summer which saw the departure of several key players and their manager meant that Rayo Vallecano headed into this campaign concerned of a genuine battle against relegation but, under the management of Francisco, they have been stubborn enough to be in mid-table for much of the campaign.
Rayo do come into this on the back of a valiant goalless draw away at Real Sociedad up in the Basque Country in their most recent outing, at the weekend. The visitors have been really underwhelming for quite a few months now, though, after a relatively bright start. They have managed just one of their last 11 games in La Liga.
THE TEAM NEWS
ATLETICO MADRID
Diego Simeone will remain without defender Cesar Azpilicueta for this weekend, whilst Thomas Lemar is also a doubt as they face Rayo Vallecano.
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Oblak; Savic, Gimenez, Reinildo; Molina, De Paul, Koke, Barrios, Lino; Griezmann, Depay
UNAVAILABLE: Azpilicueta (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Lemar (Injured)
RAYO VALLECANO
Both Pathe Ciss and Bebe are away at the Africa Cup of Nations and they remain unavailable, as well as midfielder Unai Lopez, who is suspended.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Aridane, Lejeune, Espino; Palazon, Pozo, Valentin, Chavarria; Trejo, Camello
UNAVAILABLE: Ciss (International duty), Bebe (International duty), Lopez (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE: Mendez (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
This Madrid derby features two sides that can be accused of frustrating inconsistency but to very different extents. Atletico Madrid have begun to find some consistent form of late and they are looking set to really establish themselves back in the top four. They face a Rayo Vallecano side that have proven themselves to be awkward to play against but just aren’t winning enough games at the moment and a relatively straightforward home win is to be expected on Wednesday evening.
TIP: ATLETICO MADRID TO WIN
