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Kick-off: Sunday, 17 April @17:15 GMT
Venue: Estadio del Rayo Vallecano (Madrid)
Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-US)
Head to head record
Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano 2-1 (2015/2016 La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal 2-0 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano 4-2 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano 4-0 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal 2-5 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal prediction
Villarreal will be looking to cement their spot in top four with a win over Rayo Vallecano in Madrid. The Yellow Submarine are eyeing their fifth straight win in all competitions, but beating los Vallecanos in the suburbs of the Spanish capital is easier said than done.
La Liga survival – the main goal
Despite producing a fine display against Athletic Bilbao at San Mame Barria, Rayo Vallecano eventually failed to grab something from the match. Paco Jemez’s troops suffered a 1-0 loss to the Basque outfit and, as a result, their top flight status is in great danger. Rayo Vallecano are just three points clear of the relegation zone at the moment, meaning that Sunday’s game against Villarreal is of big importance for the visitors. Los Vallecanos outplayed Getafe in the local derby in their last home fixture in La Liga and you should have in mind that Rayo suffered only one loss in last eight games at their Estadio del Rayo Vallecano. Paco Jemez’s team recorded a 2-0 win over the Yellow Submarine in their last meeting in Madrid and that is giving the fans a reason for optimism ahead of Sunday’s La Liga game.
Raul Baena and Yoel both miss the match through suspension, while Piti is sidelined with injury. However, the good news is that Jozabed should recover in time to face Villarreal. Diego Llorente and Tito both return from suspension.
Thrilling form
Villarreal suffered a dip in form in March, with the team failing to record a win in La Liga last month, but the Yellow Submarine quickly got back on course. Following a 2-1 win at Eibar Marcelino’s troops recorded a routine win over Getafe at the weekend and thanks to the victory the team cemented fourth position in the standings. Villarreal are on the right track to book their place in the Champions League, but they can’t afford any complacency in the upcoming league games. The Yellows head into Sunday’s game against Rayo Vallecano following a 4-2 win over Sparta in the Europa League and, no doubt, the visitors are high on confidence ahead of the trip to Madrid. Cedric Bakambu has been scoring goals for fun of late and all eyes will be on the Nigerian attacker when the two teams take on each other at Estadio del Rayo Vallecano.
Important midfielder Bruno and full back Antonio Rukavina are both sidelined through suspension, whilst defenders Bonera and Musacchio remain in the recovery room.
Quick Facts
- Rayo Vallecano suffered only one defeat in previous eight home games
- Rayo failed to keep a clean sheet in three of their last four home fixtures in La Liga
- Villarreal recorded only one victory in last six away games in the national championship
- Over 2.5 goals were scored in three of last four meetings between the two teams
- Cedric Bakambu scored a brace for Villarreal in the reverse fixture (2-1)
Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal betting tip
Both Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal are eager to pick up all three points from Sunday’s game at Estadio del Rayo Vallecano. Los Vallecanos aim to escape the danger zone, while the Yellow Submarine want to retain their place in top four and, taking everything into account, there is a certain value in betting on both teams to score.
Tip: Both teams to score
Odds: 1.70 (7/10) @10Bet
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