Rayo Vallecano vs Granada predictions and match preview for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for the head-to-head, team news, predicted lineups and fantasy football picks as the new boys look for their first points back at this level.
| Date | Sunday 29th August 2021 |
| Kick-Off | 19:30 (local time) |
| Stadium | Vallecas |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Rayo Vallecano vs Granada Preview
Top flight football returns to Vallecas on Sunday and while it won’t be a full house due to COVID-19 safety measures, it’ll still be a special occasion for Rayo Vallecano and their fans. It’s a game that offers them the chance to pick up their first points of the season as Granada come to town looking for their first win under Robert Moreno.
Rayo haven’t played a home game in the Primera since losing 2-1 to Real Valladolid at the end of the 2018/19 campaign. That seems like an eternity ago given everything that has happened on and off the pitch since, but sadly for Rayo followers, one constant through that period has been the continued rule of much despised owner Raúl Martín Presa. Despite promotion, Presa’s popularity has sunk to new depths during the pandemic and the regular protests against his leadership will continue this season with fans back in Vallecas.
On the pitch, Rayo have had a tough start to life back at this level. Trips to Sevilla and Real Sociedad both ended in defeats to nil and they are already bottom of LaLiga heading into this weekend. They may have to get used to that position unless some smart late business can be done as right now it seems painstakingly obvious that this squad is short on the kind of quality needed to stay up in what looks as though it will be a very competitive league.
The visitors will come thinking they can pick up their first win of the season but Rayo showed enough in Donostia last weekend to suggest it may not be that simple. So far Granada have faced Villarreal and Valencia, drawing both games. Not disastrous results on paper, but Granada weren’t particularly convincing in either match and are perhaps a shade fortunate to have as many as two points heading into matchday 3.
They need to show more quality on the ball in this game. Their pass completion rate was just 59% last weekend, the lowest in LaLiga. They are missing the influence of the likes of Yangel Herrera who is back at Manchester City after two years on loan at the Andalusian club. Moreno also appears to still be experimenting a little as he tries to figure out what kind of team he wants his Granada to be. He left Luis Milla, Darwin Machis and Antonio Puertas on the bench against Valencia which was a bit of a surprise, but we could see at least two of those players return here.
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 5 Rayo Wins, 1 Draw.
- The most recent meetings came in the 2017/18 Segunda Division.
- Rayo won 1-0 at home and 2-0 at Los Carmenes that season.
- They’ve also won 4 of their last 5 home games against Granada in the top flight.
Team News
Jose Angel Pozo is back available again for Rayo and they have no notable injury problems here.
Granada are also expecting a clean bill of health with the exception of Neyder Lozano.
Predicted Rayo Starting Lineup:
Dimitrievski – Fran Garcia, Catena, Saveljich, Balliu – Comesana, Valentin – Alvaro Garcia, Trejo, Merquelanz – Qasmi (4-2-3-1)
Predicted Granada Starting Lineup:
Escandell – Neva, German, Duarte, Foulquier – Milla, Gonalons, Monchu – Machis, Bacca, Suarez (4-3-3)
Rayo Vallecano vs Granada Predictions
Score Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Granada
This is a really tough one to call as there are pretty significant doubts and concerns about both of these sides. Rayo will be really motivated in their first home game back in the top flight but Granada have that bit of extra quality which should help them get something from the game – perhaps most likely a third straight draw.
Fantasy Football Picks
- Fanteam – Carlos Bacca
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