Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Prediction and Preview – 23/10/15
La Liga preview – Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol prediction
Rayo Vallecano manager Paco Jemez is definitely without Antonio Amaya, who is suspended for this game. With David Cobeno and Pablo Hernandez injured, Rayo are unlikely to make too many changes from team which played last weekend, even though they suffered a heavy defeat at Barcelona.
Espanyol’s only definite absentee is forward Gerard Moreno, meaning that Felipe Caicedo will start as the lone striker. Papa Diop is available once again and could go back in to the team in defensive midfield, although Canas will be hoping to keep his place in the starting XI.
Possible Line-ups
Rayo Vallecano: 4-2-3-1 formation: Tono; Tito, Castro, Llorente, Rat; Jozabed, Trashorras; Bebe, Lass, Ebert; Guerra
Espanyol: 4-2-3-1 formation: Pau; Arbilla, Gonzalez, Roco, Duarte; Sanchez, Diop; Alvarez, Asensio, Perez; Caicedo
Statistics
- Rayo Vallecano have won 3, drawn 2 and lost 5 of their last 10 matches
- Espanyol have won 4, drawn 1 and lost 5 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Rayo Vallecano have scored an average of 1 goal and conceded an average of 1.8 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Espanyol have scored an average of 1.1 goals and conceded an average of 2.1 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Rayo Vallecano’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Espanyol’s previous 10 matches
Prediction
Rayo suffered at Barcelona last weekend, going down 5-2, largely thanks to an inspired performance by Neymar. The main concern will not be the result at Barcelona but more so the defeats in the previous two games, which means Rayo have lost their last three matches. With only two wins under their belt, from 8 La Liga games, Rayo need to get back to winning ways quickly and sort themselves out defensively, having conceded the most goals in the league.
Espanyol will be fairly satisfied with their start to the season and they sit in mid-table, having won 4 and lost 4 of their opening 8 games. Similarly to Rayo, it’s been the defence where most of the problems have occurred and they join Rayo, with the worst defensive record in the league. However, 6 of Espanyol’s 12 points this season have come on the road and they will feel confident, having won at Real Betis last time out, that they can take something from this game.
Rayo need to start winning games again but Espanyol will arrive having been buoyed by their latest result and could take maximum points.
Tips
Draw or Espanyol at 3/4 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Espanyol win at 13/5 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Espanyol win by 1 goal at 4/1 – Click here to bet with Bet365
What are your predictions?
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