Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal on and what time does it start? Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal will take place on Sunday 24th September, 2023 – 15:15 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal on in the UK? Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal in the UK? Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
RAYO VALLECANO
Over the summer, Rayo Vallecano lost manager Andoni Iraola as well as key defensive duo Alejandro Catena and Fran Garcia with midfielder Santi Comesana also departing. Given that Rayo gaining promotion in 2021 was pretty miraculous, let alone surviving comfortably in mid-table, the off-field shenanigans create a scenario whereby relegation is almost inevitable.
However, following the appointment of Francisco, the Madrid-based club have managed three victories in their opening five matches of the 2023/24 La Liga season. Back-to-back 2-0 wins in Andalusia against Granada and Almeria were followed by a 1-0 loss to Betis and a 7-0 annihilation at the hands of Atletico. Last weekend, though, they got back to winning ways with another 2-0 win, this time against newly-promoted Alaves.
VILLARREAL
Villarreal won the UEFA Europa League in 2021 before reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2022. However, the Yellow Submarine have a few issues at the moment with Unai Emery’s sudden departure to Aston Villa mid-way through last season. They initially replaced him with Quique Setien but he has since been sacked and replaced by Pacheta.
Pacheta’s visitors come into this on the back of a 2-0 loss away to Panathinaikos in Athens in the opening match of their UEFA Europa League group stage campaign. Their 2023/24 La Liga campaign has consisted of two victories and three defeats with their second win coming last weekend as they edged past Almeria at El Madrigal.
THE TEAM NEWS
RAYO VALLECANO
Francisco is blessed with a relatively strong and deep squad considering Rayo’s budget and everyone is fully fit and available for this weekend’s visit of Villarreal.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Aridane, Lejeune, Espino; Valentin, Lopez; Palazon, Perez, Garcia; Camello
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
VILLARREAL
Pacheta will be without injured duo Jorge Cuenca and Francis Coquelin for this weekend, as well as Alfonso Pedraza, who is unavailable due to suspension.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Foyth, Albiol, Gabbia, Romero; Parejo, Capoue; Pino, Gerard, Baena; Sorloth
UNAVAILABLE: Pedraza (Suspended), Cuenca (Injured), Coquelin (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
This one could be quite an entertaining encounter on Sunday afternoon at Vallecas. Rayo Vallecano have made a habit of beating teams they should beat this season, or at least teams they need to beat in order to be assured of La Liga survival. Villarreal do not necessarily fall into that category but they have been quite inconsistent this season and their defeat in midweek will be frustrating. Both Francisco and Pacheta are proactive and forward thinking managers so both teams scoring does appear a good bet for this one.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
