Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Club Prediction and Preview – 29/11/15
La Liga preview – Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Club prediction
Paco Jemez’ defensive concerns are unlikely to improve for some time with full back Razvan Rat expected to be out with a shoulder injury until mid-December while first choice goalkeeper ‘Tono’ Martinez will not return this season as he undergoes extensive treatment for a knee ligament problem. Ze Castro is in contention for a place in the back four having served his ban for receiving two yellow cards against Granada earlier this month. Veteran striker Javi Guerra is in fine form with eight goals in nine games and is expected to spearhead the Rayo attack.
Athletic Club have no major worries. Forward Ibai Perez continues to be sidelined with a knee injury but has played a minor role in Ernesto Valverde’s plans so far. The club also report injuries to Muniain and Kike Sola, two players who have been on the fringes of the squad this season. The coach is expected to make a number of changes to the team that started at Augsberg in the Europa League on Thursday but Aritz Arduriz looks assured of his place up top after a late brace secured the 3-2 win.
Possible Line-ups
Rayo Vallecano: 4-2-3-1 formation: Carlos; Tito, Llorente, Ze Carlos, Nacho; Trashorras, Baena; Embarba, Jozabed, Bebe; Guerra
Athletic Club: 4-2-3-1 formation: Iraizoz; Marcos, Exteita, Laporte, Balenziaga; Benat, Jose; Sabin, Garcia, Susaeta; Aduriz
Statistics
- Rayo Vallecano have won 4, drawn 1 and lost 5 of their last 10 matches
- Athletic Club have won 7, drawn 1 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Rayo Vallecano have scored an average of 1.4 goals and conceded an average of 1.7 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Athletic Club have scored an average of 2.4 goals and conceded an average of 1.2 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Rayo Vallecano’s previous 10 matchesThere have been over 2.5 goals scored in 8 of Athletic Club’s previous 10 matches
Prediction
Rayo bid for a third consecutive home win after victories against Espanyol (3-0) and Granada (2-1). The shut out of Espanyol is the only clean sheet in Rayo’s last eight games and it was another defensive error which cost the Madrid club two points at Getafe on Monday night. Javi Guerra has been the inspiration behind most of Rayo’s victories since returning to the side in September and will look to exploit Athletic’s frailty at the back.
Valverde’s team is in great form at present winning six of the last seven games.The 2-0 defeat at Granada in the last away game was one of those days when nothing fell right. Aymeric Laporte put through his own net in the first five minutes before Granada scored a second with their only shot on target.
This game could play into the hands of Athletic Club who are dangerous on the counter attack and Rayo have shown time and again they are prone to the breakaway.
Tips
Athletic Club to win at 7/5 with Marathonbet
Athletic Club to win and both teams to score at 10/3 with bet365
Javi Guerra to score last at 13/2 with Paddy Power
What are your predictions?
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