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Kick off: Saturday, 23 January @21:05 GMT
Venue: Estadio del Rayo Vallecano (Madrid)
Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-US)
Head to head record
Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano 3-0 (2015/2016 La Liga)
Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano 6-1 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo 1-0 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo 3-0 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano 0-2 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo prediction
Rayo Vallecano will be looking to escape the danger zone with a win over Celta Vigo in the suburbs of Madrid. Os Celeste, though, are enjoying yet another successful season and they could prove to be a big catch for the relegation strugglers.
Ten games without a win
Rayo Vallecano are desperate to secure the La Liga survival. Los Vallecanos give 100% in Sunday’s game against Valencia and they were on the verge of upsetting los Che at Estadio de Mestalla. However, Paco Alcacer scored a late equalizer for Garry Neville’s troops, but Paco Jemez’s men definitely showed signs of improvement. Rayo occupy 18th place in the standings, but a win over Celta Vigo could help the team escape the relegation zone. The capital club are on a ten-game winless run in all competitions and you should have in mind that they recorded their last victory in La Liga back on 2 December. Saturday’s game against Os Celeste could be the turning point for the relegation-threatened side and I am positive that the hosts will leave their hearts on the field. Key attacker Javi Guerra returns to the starting line-up and he should be deployed up front as a lone striker.
New signing Jose Angel Crespo could make his debut against Celta Vigo, but Razvan Rat, Patrick Ebert and Antonio Amaya remain in the recovery room.
Blowing hot and hold
Celta Vigo have been having their ups and downs this season. Following thre consecutive defeats to the likes of Athletic Club, Malaga and Atletico Madrid, Os Celeste recorded a thrilling 4-3 victory over Levante and they head into Saturday’s La Liga game following a goalless draw with Diego Simeone’s troops in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals first leg. Coach Eduardo Berizzo is on Chile’s radar, but the Argentine tactician is fully focused on helping Celta Vigo make it to the European competitions. Os Celeste sit in 5th place in the standings ahead of Matchday 21 and they are six points behind the Champions League berth. Key player Nolito has been sorely missed in recent weeks, but in his absence John Guidetti has been scoring goals for fun and he is likely to keep his place up front. Celta have been producing fine displays on the road this season and they will be looking to record their sixth away win of the season when they take on Rayo in the suburbs of Madrid.
Andreu Fontas and Nolito remain sidelined with injury, but coach Eduardo Berizzo has no other injury concerns ahead of the trip to Madrid.
Quick Facts
- Rayo Vallecano are on a ten-match winless run
- Rayo conceded 2+ goals in each of their previous four home games
- Los Vallecanos defeated Celta in previous three encounters in Madrid
- Celta Vigo suffered only two defeats on the road this season
- Under 2.5 goals were scored in Celta’s previous five away fixtures in La Liga
Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo betting tip
Rayo Vallecano proved their worth in the 2-2 draw with Valencia and seeing that key attacker Javi Guerra returns to contention, I believe that Paco Jemez’s charges are capable of making life difficult for Celta Vigo. Eduardo Berizzo can’t count on top scorer Nolito and given that a win is a must for the hosts, I am tempted to put my money on los Vallecanos. Rayo are likely to record their fourth consecutive win over Celta in front of home fans.
Tip: Rayo Vallecano draw no bet
Odds: 2.00 (1/1) @bet365
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