Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano predictions, H2H and match preview for this Sunday’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis, betting tips and predicted line-ups as the visitors aim to build on a shock win last weekend.
DATE/TIME – Sunday 14th April 2019, 14:00 (Spanish Time)
STADIUM – San Mames
COMPETITION – La Liga
#AthleticRayo
Rayo head into this game on a real high after they surprisingly beat Valencia last weekend to breathe new life into their survival push. However they still most likely are going to need at the very least 3 more wins from their final 7 games and perhaps more than that. If they can leave San Mames with victory on Sunday, they’d really start to believe.
That will be easier said than done though. Athletic have been very tough to beat ever since they appointed Gaizka Garitano. They still don’t score a huge amount of goals but they pose enough of a threat to break down any of the bottom teams. Inaki Williams is set to lead the line again and having played there so much, he does seem to be warming to the task of playing as a number nine rather than out on the wings.
The most prolific striker on the pitch will be wearing a Rayo shirt though. Whether they stay up or go down, the Madrid side are going to have a hard time finding a replacement for 13-goal Raul De Tomas this summer. He is expected to go back to the Bernabeu or perhaps elsewhere on a permanent deal. He should play through the middle here with Bebe and Alex Moreno either side of him for Paco Jemez’s side.
Athletic are the clear favourites though and they have plenty of motivation to try and win the game themselves with the Basques now right in the hunt for Europa League qualification.
We have match previews for every game in La Liga this weekend.
Next Up – Real Sociedad vs Eibar (Sunday 16:15)
Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano Predictions
Score Prediction: 2-1 Athletic
Betting Tip: Over 5.5 Bookings @ 1.74 with Spin Palace Sports (18+)
Since the return of Paco Jemez, Rayo have been noticeably more aggressive and have really pressed teams. That worked against Valencia but they are likely to get a taste of their own medicine here against an Athletic side who made a similar change when they drafted in Garitano. A frenetic, niggly game with a fair few bookings could be the outcome.
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Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano H2H
- Last 6 meetings: 4 Athletic Wins, 1 Rayo Win, 1 Draw.
- Athletic have won 3 of the last 4 meetings.
- However they could only draw 1-1 at Vallecas earlier this term.
- They’ve won their last 3 home games against Rayo.
One to Watch – Inaki Williams
Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams on playing for Ghana : My parents have met with the Ghana coaching staff and I have received calls, I don’t forget where my family came from,”. But on a sporting level it would be better to play for Spain. They’ve me given me everything. pic.twitter.com/HeiE17iIVV
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) October 4, 2018
Rayo’s chances of getting anything out of this one, may largely depend on their ability to limit the threat of Inaki Williams.
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Predicted Line Ups
Athletic Club Team:
Herrerin – Marcos, Martinez, Alvarez, Yuri – Etxebarria, Garcia – Cordoba, Garcia, Muniain – Williams (4-2-3-1)
Rayo Team:
Garcia – Tito, Ba, Amat, Advincula – Medran, Pozo, Suarez – Moreno, De Tomas, Bebe (4-3-3)
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