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Kick off: Saturday, 17.10.2015. @12:00
Venue: Camp Nou
Head to head record
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano 6-1 (La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona 0-2 (La Liga)
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano 6-0 (La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona 0-4 (La Liga)
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano 3-1 (La Liga)
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano prediction
Barcelona will be looking to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Sevilla when they host Rayo Vallecano at their Camp Nou on day 8 of the new la Liga campaign. The Catalan giants head into the match with severely-weakened squad, but they are still regarded as hot favourites to pick up all three points from Saturday’s game.
No Messi, no problem?
Title holders Barcelona have already suffered two defeats in the new la Liga campaign, but it has to be noted that they faced Sevilla at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan without key player Leo Messi. The Argentine “magician” has yet to overcome his respective injury and he was sorely missed in the 2-1 loss to los Rojiblancos. Luis Enrique’s men dropped to fourth place in the standings and they will be looking to regain top position in the table with a victory over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday afternoon. It is well known that Barca are a real force to be reckoned with at home and they will be looking to keep their 100% record at Camp Nou intact when they take on the capital club on day 8 of the new Primera Division campaign. Neymar was not in action at the weekend and he will surely pose a big threat for the visitors in Saturday’s match in Catalonia.
Leo Messi and Rafinha remain in the recovery room, while Luis Suarez should recover in time to face Rayo Vallecano. Andres Iniesta has yet to return from injury and he is yet another absentee in the home team.
Ups and downs
Following back-to-back wins over the likes of Las Palmas and Sporting Gijon, Rayo Vallecano suffered a 3-2 loss to Sevilla in their last away fixture in la Liga. To make things even worse for the fans, the capital club were beaten by newcomers Real Betis in their last league fixture and, as a result, they dropped to 15th place in the standings. Los Vallecanos aim to move away from the danger zone, but beating Barcelona at Camp Nou is easier said than done. Paco Jemez’s men are not regarded as good travelers and they certainly face an uphill task in Saturday’s clash against the defending champions. Experienced forward Javi Guerra is still capable of producing fine displays at this level and he is likely to lead the attack for the visitors against Barca. It has to be noted, though, that it has been 15 years since Rayo Vallecano recorded their last win over Barcelona at Camp Nou.
Antonio Amaya is sidelined through suspension, while Cobeno and Pablo Hernandez are both likely to miss the trip to Barcelona with injury.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano betting tip
Rayo Vallecano struggle on the travels and despite the fact that Barcelona coach Luis Enrique can’t count on Leo Messi and Andres Iniesta, I believe that there is a big value in betting on the title holders, who have turned their Camp Nou into a real fortress. However, seeing that the Catalans have been struggling at the back of late, I would not be surprised if los Vallecanos find the net in Saturday’s la Liga clash.
Tip: Home win + both teams to score
Odds: 2.25 (5/4) @Coral
