Girona vs Rayo Vallecano Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Girona vs Rayo Vallecano on and what time does it start? Girona vs Rayo Vallecano will take place on Monday 26th February, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Girona vs Rayo Vallecano? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Girona vs Rayo Vallecano on in the UK? Girona vs Rayo Vallecano will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Girona vs Rayo Vallecano in the UK? Girona vs Rayo Vallecano can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
GIRONA
It has been an absolutely magnificent season but a difficult couple of weeks for Girona recently. The Catalans were hammered 4-0 by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in a top-of-the-table clash a couple of weeks ago before then losing 3-2 to Athletic Club on Monday and then it being rumoured that Savio would depart for Manchester City in the summer.
Michel has produced a brilliant, attacking team that will need to just steady the ship and ensure they can finish in the top four to confirm a historic UEFA Champions League qualification, even though the title does appear to have now slipped away as they sit six points below the aforementioned Real Madrid at the top-of-the-table.
RAYO VALLECANO
It has been a bizarre campaign for Rayo Vallecano so far this season as they started brightly, despite the mood being low and worried following the departure of Andoni Iraola and several key players, but they quickly fell away with one win in 14 matches to mean they had to part company with manager, Francisco, ahead of last weekend.
Francisco was replaced by Inigo Perez and his first game led to an immediately majorly improved performance as Rayo shared a 1-1 draw against champions-elect Real Madrid at Vallecas last weekend. Raul de Tomas scored a 27th minute penalty for Rayo against his former club in that match to cancel out Joselu’s third minute opening goal.
THE TEAM NEWS
GIRONA
Girona have a couple of concerns for this weekend as experienced Netherlands international defender Daley Blind has joined the Catalans’ injury list for this one.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Martinez, Garcia, Juanpe, Gutierrez; Herrera, Garcia; Tsygankov, Martin, Savio; Dovbyk
UNAVAILABLE: Blind (Injured), Casals (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Lopez (Injured), Villa (Injured)
RAYO VALLECANO
Rayo Vallecano are without key attacker Isi Palazon through suspension, whilst both Pep Chavarria and Diego Mendez are doubtful for this weekend, too.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Aridane Hernandez, Lejeune, Espino; de Frutos, Lopez, Valentin, Nteka; Camello, Garcia
UNAVAILABLE: Palazon (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE: Chavarria (Injured), Mendez (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
In 2021, Rayo Vallecano gained promotion via the playoffs before Girona did that themselves in 2022. The two teams have massively enjoyed their time back in the top-flight to different extents with Girona aiming to cling on to some part in the title race in Spain. However, out of form with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions, up against a Rayo Vallecano side that looked invigorated under Inigo Perez last weekend, former assistant to Andoni Iraola, may prove to be a tough test with a free scoring, fun game for the neutral in prospect.
TIP: OVER 2.5 GOALS
