Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano on and what time does it start? Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano will take place on Sunday 28th April, 2024 – 17:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano on in the UK? Villarreal 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 Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano in the UK? Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
VILLARREAL
Following the sackings of both Quique Setien and Pacheta in the first-half of the season, former Olympique de Marseille and Valencia manager Marcelino was also under pressure after a slow start to his reign but they have been much-improved and head into the final six weeks of the campaign in the hunt for a potential top seven finish and UEFA Europa Conference League qualification.
The Yellow Submarine come into this one on the back of a 2-1 defeat away to Almeria in their most recent outing, last weekend with Norwegian international Alexander Sorloth scoring a winning goal in second-half stoppage-time. They have now suffered just one defeat in their last 12 matches in La Liga.
RAYO VALLECANO
It was a turbulent and difficult summer for Rayo Vallecano with the loss of their manager as well as several key players but the Madrid-based club began the season quite well following the appointment of Francisco. However, after they had started to underperform, they needed the improvement brought from former Andoni Iraola assistant, 33-year-old Inigo Perez.
Performances have been revitalised ever since Perez’ arrival, Rayo have begun to push themselves away from the bottom three and the relegation places. The visitors come into this one on the back of a 2-1 defeat of Osasuna at Vallecas with two late goals turning the game on its head, extending their unbeaten run of form to four matches.
THE TEAM NEWS
VILLARREAL
Villarreal have a few key injury doubts for this week’s visit of Rayo Vallecano at El Madrigal as the likes of Eric Bailly, Juan Foyth and Denis Suarez.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Jorgensen; Femenia, Mosquera, Mandi, Alfonso; Akhomach, Parejo, Coquelin, Baena; Gerard Moreno, Sorloth
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Bailly (Injured), Foyth (Injured), Suarez (Injured)
RAYO VALLECANO
Both Kike Perez and Alvaro Garcia are out injured for this weekend, whilst the likes of Aridane Hernandez and Kike Perez are also doubtful.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Mumin, Lejeune, Chavarria; De Frutos, Valentin, Lopez, Palazon; Camello, Trejo
UNAVAILABLE: Garcia (Injured), Mendez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Aridane (Injured), Kike Perez (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
As we head into the final few weeks of the season, it is really surprising and a testament to the work that Marcelino has done that Villarreal have a real opportunity to put the squeeze on those above them and potentially work their way back into a European spot. Rayo have not quite rediscovered the style of football that Andoni Iraola implemented but Inigo Perez should be their best bet and their results have improved. Despite that, though, backing Villarreal is the way to go for this one, especially at home.
TIP: VILLARREAL TO WIN
