Sporting Gijon vs Rayo Vallecano predictions and match preview for Monday’s Spanish Segunda Division game. Read on for the head-to-head and analysis as the hosts aim to maintain their strong start against fellow promotion hopefuls.
- DATE: Monday 16th November 2020
- KICK-OFF: 21:00 (local time)
- VENUE: El Molinon
- COMPETITION: LaLiga SmartBank
Sporting Gijon vs Rayo Vallecano Preview
Two teams with promotion ambitions meet at El Molinon in the Monday night game in LaLiga SmartBank. It will be a good test of how serious both teams are about challenging for a return to the top flight this season, particularly Rayo who are in need of a positive result after a slump in form.
It won’t come easily though against a Sporting side that is the only team in the top four heading into the weekend not to have just come down from the top flight. Their strong start to the campaign can largely be attributed to good home form and a solid defence.
The Asturians have only conceded 6 goals to date in 11 matches this season which is testament to just how hard Rayo are going to have to work to forge openings in this game. Sporting were beaten last time out, losing 1-0 at Mirandes but they’d reeled off 3 straight wins prior to that and have won 4 out of 5 at El Molinon so far.
As for Rayo Vallecano, much of the early optimism that greeted their positive start to the campaign under new boss Andoni Iraola already seems to have faded. Since putting four past Malaga on matchday 4, the goals have really dried up and a series of unimpressive displays have resulted in Rayo losing 3 of their last 4 matches.
With the likes of Mallorca and Espanyol also looking very strong, they can’t seriously afford for this poor run to go on much longer if they are going to be even in the automatic promotion picture which was certainly the hope this season.
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 1 Sporting Win, 1 Rayo Win, 4 Draws.
- Both meetings last season ended 1-1.
- Rayo haven’t won on any of their 5 trips to El Molinon this century.
Sporting Gijon vs Rayo Vallecano Predictions
Score Prediction: Sporting 1-0 Rayo
Rayo aren’t looking good at the moment and while on paper they perhaps have the stronger squad, it’s hard to fancy Andoni Iraola’s team here. Only one of Sporting’s games so far this season has been settled by more than a single goal though, so it is likely to be tight, but the hosts look the team more capable of nicking it with home advantage seemingly a major positive factor for them, even in an empty stadium.
LaLiga SmartBank Betting Tips (18+)
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