Espanyol vs Rayo Vallecano predictions and match preview for Sunday’s Spanish Segunda Division game. Read on for the head-to-head and analysis as two promotion hopefuls clash.
- DATE: Sunday 31st January 2021
- KICK-OFF: 16:00 (local time)
- STADIUM: Son Moix
- COMPETITION: LaLiga SmartBank
Espanyol vs Rayo Vallecano Preview
This Sunday we have another big game in the La Liga SmartBank as league leaders Espanyol face off against promotion rivals Rayo Vallecano in the RCDE Stadium. The Blanquiazules have a point to prove after being outclassed when these teams last met. Could Rayo also pull off the double like Girona did last week?
Espanyol have had a tricky start to the year. Two away losses against promotion chasing sides have seen their lead at the top cut to just goal difference with Vicente Moreno’s men ahead by one goal. In their loss with Girona they will feel very hard done by. They outplayed Girona and could have easily had five or six goals but just couldn’t find the back of the net. The Blanquiazules registered a huge total of twenty five goal attempts.
Leading goal scorer Raúl de Tomás is still without a goal in 2021 and will be hoping to end that in this match by helping his side to victory. Espanyol won’t have Captain David Lopez available though as he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season. Vicente Moreno’s men will want to show why they deserve to be at the top and also get revenge for their 1-0 loss earlier in the season.
History shows us that when Rayo play here, they almost always score. Andoni Iraola’s side will be going into this match on the back of a league loss to promotion rivals Real Mallorca. They did put in a brave performance in their 2-1 loss to Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey in midweek which will fill them with confidence going into this match, although there may be some fatigue.
If they can match the intensity they had in that match, they could get a result here. Iraola will hope his side can find that consistency again as they aim to get closer to the two automatic promotion spots.
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 2 Espanyol Wins, 2 Rayo Wins, 2 Draws.
- All of the last 6 meetings at the RCDE Stadium have seen both teams score but Rayo failed to win any of those matches, losing 4.
- Rayo were 1-0 winners when the clubs met in Madrid earlier this term.
Espanyol vs Rayo Vallecano Predictions
Score Prediction: Espanyol 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
Expect Vicente Moreno’s side to start fast here. They are hurt from their last game and will want to make a statement and in terms of quality Espanyol are more equipped all around. Rayo will fight hard, create chances and be a nuisance but it’s hard to look past a home win here.
LaLiga SmartBank Betting Tips (18+)
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