Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol predictions and match preview for Sunday’s game in the Segunda Division. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and analysis as two promotion contenders clash in Vallecas.
- DATE: Sunday 18th October 2020
- KICK-OFF: 16:00 (local time)
- VENUE: Estadio Vallecas
- COMPETITION: LaLiga SmartBank
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Preview
This weekend in the Segunda División sees a highly anticipated affair as Rayo Vallecano host Espanyol at the Estadio Vallecas. This match should have goals in it as both teams like to attack and it could come down to who has the strongest defence.
Andoni Iraola’s Rayo have had a mixed start to the season. They have scored the same amount of goals as Espanyol but conceded five which will be a concern for Iraola and if they want to kick on, they must tighten up at the back. They’ve done well at home so far, winning both games with six out of their seven goals scored coming in Vallecas.
This will show Vicente Moreno’s men that they will have to work very hard to get a result in this match. A surprising 1-0 loss to Tenerife last weekend showed they still have work to do with only two on target against Tenerife which by Rayo’s standards is not good enough.
Espanyol won once again last weekend 1-0 against Alcorcon and are now sitting pretty at the top of the table. In form striker Raul De Tomas got another goal in a game in which he easily could have had a hat-trick. He will be returning against his former team where he played some of the best football of his career, netting 38 in 68 appearances for Rayo.
It is now five matches played and the Blanquiazules are yet to concede. Brilliance from keeper Diego Lopez and the four in front him have been vital this season. The back four hasn’t changed in these matches with only Vila swapping with Pedrosa. This will be key for Vicente Moreno and having a strong back four starting regularly and building up a good relationship will be important if they want to get straight back to the Primera.
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 3 Espanyol Wins, 1 Rayo Win, 2 Draws.
- Espanyol have won on 3 of their last 6 trips to Vallecas.
- The most recent meetings came in the 2018/19 top flight with the sides drawing 2-2 in Madrid and Espanyol winning 2-1 in Barcelona.
Read More – Madrid Football Guide
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Predictions
Score Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 2-2 Espanyol
This has all the ingredients to be a thrilling match. There should be goals in it. Espanyol will want to dominate the ball and tire Rayo like they have done in recent weeks to open up late goalscoring opportunities. However the way Rayo set up and with home advantage, I see them scoring first and Espanyol will have to adapt their approach, which they have the quality to do and we may see a strong finish from Espanyol.
LaLiga SmartBank Betting Tips (18+)
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