Rayo Vallecano vs Real Sociedad predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as La Real head to the capital.
| Date | Saturday 21st January 2023 |
| Kick-Off | 14:00 (CET) |
| Stadium | Vallecas |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Rayo Vallecano vs Real Sociedad Preview
This promises to be a very watchable game between two success stories of LaLiga 2022/23 so far. Rayo would move into a European position with three points here while Real Sociedad can go level on points with Real Madrid in 2nd if they can leave Vallecas having recorded another victory.
Rayo’s elimination from the Copa del Rey means they’ve had a full week off to prepare for this game unlike their opponents who also visit Camp Nou for a Quarter-Final next week. They should take confidence into this after a solid 1-0 win at Real Valladolid last time out with the ever impressive Isi Palazon scoring a cracker to seal three points.
Given their considerable success over the past 18 months, it’s perhaps surprising that there hasn’t been more interest in some of Rayo’s players this month. Andoni Iraola won’t be complaining but they have numerous players who have really shone again this season and they have the feel of a team that now truly believes it not only belongs at this level, but fancies its chances against almost every opponent.
They don’t get much tougher than La Real who have won 8 in a row in all competitions. Imanol Alguacil now has 100 victories in charge of the Basque club having done a sensational job in Donostia, particularly this season where he has had to adapt to numerous challenges but has managed to get the best out of the likes of Take Kubo and Alexander Sorloth.
The challenge now for Imanol is figuring out just how he reintegrates the fit again Mikel Oyarzabal into this side. It would be harsh to leave anyone out given their current form. He does also have a few midfield selection issues to contend with here with two of his usual central quartet missing. Martin Zubimendi is suspended while Mikel Merino is carrying an injury so there will have to be something of a reshuffle in that department.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Rayo VallecanoT
| INJURED | |
| DOUBTFUL | De Tomas |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Dimitrievski – Fran Garcia, Catena, Lejeune, Balliu – Comesana, Valentin – Alvaro Garcia, Trejo, Isi – Camello (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Andoni Iraola
Real Sociedad
| INJURED | Merquelanz, Sadiq, Merino, Gorosabel, Guevara |
| DOUBTFUL | Cho, Turrientes, Sola |
| BANNED | Zubimendi |
Possible XI: Remiro – Rico, Le Normand, Pacheco, Elustondo – Illarramendi – Kubo, Silva, Brais Mendez – Sorloth, Oyarzabal (4-1-3-2)
Coach: Imanol Alguacil
Score Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 2-2 Real Sociedad
This should be a good game and Real Sociedad will be the favourites given their electric current form. However it’s never easy in Vallecas and with a couple of important midfielders out, they may struggle to leave with more than 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.
