Espanyol vs Rayo Vallecano predictions and match preview for Friday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as Rayo aim for another positive result against Catalan opposition following a draw at Camp Nou.
| Date | Friday 19th August 2022 |
| Kick-Off | 20:00 (local time) |
| Stadium | RCDE Stadium |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Espanyol vs Rayo Vallecano Preview
Gameweek two in LaLiga kicks off at the RCDE Stadium as two teams who drew on the opening weekend clash. In both cases they were pretty good points, particularly for Rayo who are in Barcelona for the second weekend running after drawing at Camp Nou last Saturday.
Espanyol started the DIego Martinez era poorly by going 2-0 down in Vigo. However a much changed team from the end of last season fought back well with two late goals to rescue a draw. Both came from new signings with Edu Expósito, who had only joined the club the previous week, firing home from range before Joselu converted a 98th minute penalty to ensure they took something back to Catalonia.
The striker will have a big role to play this season and is expected to take over from Raul De Tomas as the main goal threat this season. De Tomas is still being strongly linked with a move away with various clubs in the frame for his signature. Espanyol could probably do with that transfer happening sooner rather than later now as it seems clear the player wants to go and a cash influx could help fund fresh signings if the move doesn’t happen too late in the window.
Rayo Vallecano are one side expected to have fresh attacking options soon with Diego Costa and Marcos Andre among those in the frame to bolster a strike-force that was led by Falcao on the opening weekend. Up against a much-hyped Barcelona side, who did ultimately manage to register most of their new signings in time for the fixture, Andoni Iraola once again proved himself to be a tactically astute coach as Rayo frustrated the Catalans once more, leaving with a 0-0 draw.
It was the third straight clean sheet for Rayo against Barcelona, after two 1-0 wins last season. They also beat Espanyol twice by the same margin last term so the omens are quite positive for Rayo heading into this fixture, although it’s a different Espanyol and different coach they’ll be up against this season.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Espanyol
| INJURED | |
| DOUBTFUL | Lozano, Puado, Pedrosa, De Tomas |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Lecomte – Olivan, Cabrera, Gomez, Gil – Exposito, Souza – Melamed, Darder, Embarba – Joselu (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Diego Martinez
Rayo Vallecano
| INJURED | Comesaña |
| DOUBTFUL | Saveljich, Lopez |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Dimitrievski – Garcia, Catena, Lejeune, Balliu – Ciss, Lopez – Garcia, Trejo, Isi – Falcao (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Andoni Iraola
Score Prediction: Espanyol 1-1 Rayo
Rayo showed enough last week at Camp Nou to suggest they can come here and compete. Espanyol are still something of a work in progress under Diego Martinez and it may be a few weeks before he really starts to get closer to knowing his best eleven so the visitors will fancy their chances of getting a result here.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
