Rayo Vallecano vs Almeria predictions and match preview for Sunday’s Spanish Segunda Division game. Read on for the head-to-head and analysis as two promotion hopefuls meet in Madrid.
- DATE: Sunday 8th November 2020
- KICK-OFF: 16:00 (local time)
- VENUE: Estadio Vallecas
- COMPETITION: LaLiga SmartBank
Rayo Vallecano vs Almeria Preview
Two sides with promotion aspirations clash in LaLiga SmartBank on Sunday. Almeria have made headlines in this league over the past eighteen months with their big spending approach but they have struggled to turn that into consistent results on the pitch. Victory in Vallecas would mark something of a statement of intent from them but it won’t be easy against a Rayo side that is normally strong at home.
Most teams in this league have now played 10 games which is often seen as the point in time by which the league table is starting to take shape. Rayo Vallecano will be content with their current 5th place. They do look like strong play-off contenders but it’s going to be tough for them to challenge for automatic promotion with the recently relegated teams all looking strong.
While Rayo are a club that has tremendous backing despite their small size, the demonstrations against unpopular owner Raúl Martín Presa had become something of a distraction on match-days. The noise their fans create is being missed but it’s perhaps slightly easier for Andoni Iraola’s men to purely focus on the task at hand now and that may go a small way to explaining why they boast LaLiga SmartBank’s only 100% home record.
Almeria are though a side that often seems more comfortable on their travels. 9 of their 14 points so far this season have come away and they have won their last 2 road games at Sabadell and Castellon.
Following a late finish to last season, plenty of comings and goings and the regular coaching changes, it’s perhaps understandable why Almeria took a bit of time to find their groove this season. José Gomes does now seem to be starting to get more out of this team though and they are unbeaten in 5 matches heading into what could be the game of the weekend in the Segunda.
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 4 Rayo Wins, 1 Almeria Win, 1 Draw.
- Almeria won a 3-2 thriller the last time these sides met – in Andalusia in July.
- Rayo have won 4 of the last 5 meetings in Madrid, although Almeria did get a 1-1 draw here last season.
Rayo Vallecano vs Almeria Predictions
Score Prediction: Rayo 2-1 Almeria
Almeria have certainly improved over the past few weeks and they ought to be strong play-off contenders again but it’s hard to look past Rayo in Vallecas right now. They’ve already beaten an Espanyol side that is threatening to run away with this league at home and they won’t fear Almeria here.
LaLiga SmartBank Betting Tips (18+)
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Read our latest Segunda Division predictions and match previews.
