Rayo Vallecano vs Leganes Preview & Prediction | 2024-25 Spanish Primera
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We have a derby in the capital city of Spain this weekend as Madrid-based Rayo Vallecano take on Madrid-based Leganes at Vallecas in a game that both sides will be eyeing up as a brilliant opportunity to get three points against supposedly ‘weaker’ opposition.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Saturday 28th September, 2024 - UK – 1:00pm / US ET – 9:00am / US PT – 6:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Rayo Vallecano vs Leganes may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
RAYO VALLECANO PREVIEW: RACING RAYO
Andoni Iraola implemented an entertaining style of football with intensity and aggression at Rayo Vallecano a couple of seasons ago before leaving to manage AFC Bournemouth. His former assistant coach, Inigo Perez, was not initially given the job but after the sacking of Francisco last year, the remnants of the Andoni Iraola project are being rebuilt.
Rayo come into this one on the back of back-to-back draws against Girona and Atletico Madrid in their most recent outings to continue what has become a fine start to the season. Those draws followed on from a comfortable and impressive 3-1 defeat of Osasuna at Vallecas a couple of weeks ago.
LEGANES PREVIEW: LACKLUSTRE LEGANES
Following their promotion to the top-flight of Spanish football last season, Leganes managed to keep hold of exciting manager Borja Jimenez and looked to try and continue to play a progressive style of football but the Segunda Division champions of last year have found it hard to be remotely effective.
Lega come into this one on the back of a 1-1 draw in another Madrid derby against Getafe last weekend with Borja Mayoral scoring a penalty to equalise for Getafe just seven minutes after Jorge Saenz’ opener for Leganes. That draw means they have managed just one victory in their opening seven matches so far this season.
RAYO VALLECANO TEAM NEWS: FULL-BACK ISSUES
In an aggressive 4-4-2 pressing style, the left-back has become essential for Rayo but their first choice left-back and now cover for that position are both out injured.
Alfonso Espino has been one of the best in Spain in his position but he has a broken foot, whilst his replacement, Pep Chavarria, is sidelined with a muscle injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Alex Batalla; Balliu, Lejeune, Mumin, Aridane Hernandez; Ratiu, Paulo Diaz, Oscar Valentin, Adrian Embarba; Isi Palazon, Sergio Camello
UNAVAILABLE: Alfonso Espino (Injured), Pep Chavarria (Injured), Diego Mendez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
LEGANES TEAM NEWS: NO NEYOU
There are a few concerns for Borja Jimenez to deal with this weekend as midfielder Yvan Neyou remains sidelined for the visitors due to an injury sustained a couple of weeks ago.
As well as the absence of Neyou, Leganes are also dealing with a couple of injury doubts as both Javi Hernandez and Naim Garcia could also be unavailable for this one.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Dmitrovic; Jorge Saenz, Sergio, Nastastic; Rosier, Cisse, Renato Tapia, Juan Cruz; Oscar Rodriguez, Munir; Miguel de la Fuente
UNAVAILABLE: Neyou (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Javi Hernandez (Injured), Naim Garcia (Injured)
RAYO VALLECANO VS LEGANES PREDICTION
This Madrid derby at Vallecas could be quite fun to watch. Rayo are naturally entertaining, whilst Leganes, despite scoring just four goals in seven matches, also have a more proactive eye than the stats suggest. Rayo remain firm favourites given their form as well as their home advantage this weekend but it could well be quite an entertaining watch from a neutral perspective.
RAYO VALLECANO VS LEGANES TIP: RAYO TO WIN & BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
