Real Valladolid vs Rayo Vallecano Predictions & Match Preview

Real Valladolid vs Rayo Vallecano predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as Rayo head to the Jose Zorrilla.

Real Valladolid vs Rayo Vallecano Preview

Saturday’s action in LaLiga kicks off at the Jose Zorrilla. It features two sides who can be pleased with their efforts so far this season, although neither have got the results they would have wanted since the return to action.

It’s 3 league defeats on the bounce now for Real Valladolid. That’s not an immediate cause for concern for Pacheta and his team who currently find themselves 3 places above the relegation zone heading into the weekend action. They’d certainly settle for that come the end of the season, but they do need to make sure this winter slump doesn’t turn into a more serious downturn in form.

They haven’t scored since a 2-1 win over bottom club Elche in early November and the final third is one area where they may seek improvement in the January window. They aren’t helped here by the suspension of Sergio Leon who has netted 5 of their 13 goals in LaLiga this term. Only one other Valladolid player has scored more than once with last season’s top scorer Shon Weissman currently only on one.

Scoring goals has been less of an issue for Rayo and that’s despite having to wait until January for their main summer signing Raul de Tomas to become available. Indeed only 4 teams can better their tally of 23 goals in LaLiga 2022/23 heading into this matchday with Andoni Iraola’s side once again impressing with the quality of their football and positive nature.

That has continued since the resumption although they may feel as though they warranted more than the one point they have gained from their last two matches – a 2-2 draw at Girona and 2-1 loss at home to Betis. That defeat last time out ended a 7 game unbeaten run in the league but they can still take confidence into this match having avoided defeat in each of their last 3 away games.

Team News & Possible Lineups

Real Valladolid

Possible XI: Masip – Olaza, Javi Sanchez, Joaquin, Fresneda – Aguado, Monchu, Mesa – Plano, Weissman, Plata (4-3-3)

Coach: Pacheta

Rayo Vallecano

Possible XI: Dimitrievski – Fran Garcia, Catena, Lejeune, Balliu – Comesana, Valentin – Alvaro Garcia, Trejo, Isi – Camello (4-2-3-1)

Coach: Andoni Iraola

Score Prediction: Real Valladolid 1-1 Rayo Vallecano

This promises to be a close game and it’s tough to pick a winner. Real Valladolid haven’t picked up a point since the World Cup but they lost both games very late on and competed well against Real Madrid in their last home game. Rayo are a bit inconsistent on their travels but they have been getting results away of late and ought to return to Madrid with at least a point.

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.