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Kick off: Friday, 23.10.2015 @20:30
Venue: Campo de Futbol de Vallecas
Head to head record
Espanyol vs Rayo Vallecano 1-1 (La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol 1-3 (La Liga)
Espanyol vs Rayo Vallecano 2-2 (La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol 1-4 (La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol 2-0 (La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol prediction
Rayo Vallecano are hoping to end their losing streak as they welcome Espanyol in the opening game of La Liga round nine on Friday night.
Three defeats in a row
The hosts have found themselves down in the 15th position at the standings, having collected only seven of 28 points in the offer. Rayo Vallecano have suffered three consecutive defeats, two of which came at the hands of household names of Barcelona and Sevilla. With home defeat to Betis sandwiched in between, Francisco Jemez Martin’s men will be looking to finally give their fans something to cheer about. Despite their recent poor form, Paco’s troops have had a solid scoring record of late, with their summer recruit Javi Guerra being the most prominent scorer. The experienced Spanish striker has been rejuvenated since his arrival from Malaga and has so far scored four goals in his six appearances for Rayo Vallecano. Los Franjirrojos have failed to find the back of the net in just one of their last six fixtures and they even managed to score two goals at Sevilla and additional two at Barcelona despite losing 3-2 and 5-2 respectively. Friday game against Espanyol will be a good chance of returning to winning ways and improving the home score of just one win in last five games at Vallecas.
The hosts remain without suspended Amaya, who is serving his final game of round six suspension when he argued with the referee on his way out after receiving a second yellow card against Sevilla. Paco will also be without Pablo Hernandez and David Cobeno who are injured.
Espanyol’s search for consistency continues
It has so far been a rollercoaster season for Espanyol who occupy the ninth place in the standings with four wins and as many defeats after eight rounds. Sergio’s team keep bouncing between triumphs and defeats and their search for consistency continues at Vallecas where they come on the back of an away win over Betis (3-1) last weekend. Espanyol are an exciting side with a lot of young players in their team and Felipe Caicedo as the most outstanding one. The 27-year-old has played seven games so far in La Liga and has managed to score three goals, but his overall displays have been mature and nothing short of excellent. Marco Asensio has also been one of the most prominent Espanyol players this season, as the nineteen-year-old has been described as one of the most exciting playmakers in the entire competition. Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque is keeping close tabs on the talented midfielder who is currently on loan from Real Madrid. Asensio assisted three goals last weekend against Betis and he is the first Espanyol player to assist this many in a single match since the season 1998-99.
Sergio will have little to worry about, as Gerard Moreno and Jordan are the only injury absentees for the game at Vallecas.
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol betting tip
Both teams are attack minded and love to play openly, so we are in for an exciting affair. Both teams are in need of points and will go strong from the kick off in their attempts to record a win in the opening game of round nine.
Tip: Both teams to score
Odds: 1.70 (7/10) @888sport
