Granada vs Rayo Vallecano Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Granada vs Rayo Vallecano on and what time does it start? Granada vs Rayo Vallecano will take place on Monday 21st August, 2023 – 20:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Granada vs Rayo Vallecano? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Granada vs Rayo Vallecano on in the UK? Granada 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 Granada vs Rayo Vallecano in the UK? Granada vs Rayo Vallecano can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
GRANADA
Under the management of former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka, Granada gained promotion to the top-flight as Segunda Division winners last season. The Nazaries, though, decided to move on from Karanka and replaced him with the excellent and entertaining former Levante boss Paco Lopez for their season back in the top-flight.
The Andalusians had a tough assignment on the opening day of the season and they were beaten 3-1 by probable title challengers Atletico Madrid last weekend. Atletico were head by half-time but Granada levelled through Samu. A wonder goal from Memphis Depay, though, gave Atleti their lead again before Antoine Griezmann finished off the Andalusians in second-half stoppage-time.
RAYO VALLECANO
Over the summer, Rayo Vallecano lost several key players such as Fran Garcia, Santi Comesana and Catena to La Liga rivals as well as their manager, Andoni Iraiola, to Premier League club AFC Bournemouth. Rayo surprisingly gained promotion in 2021 thanks to the work of Iraola and have been very competitive, challenging towards the top-half in both seasons back in the top-flight.
However, with doom and gloom surrounding the club, especially with their neglectful poor ownership, Rayo started the season very well with Francisco in the dugout. They went away to Almeria and won by two goals to nil with Isi Palazon and Randy Nteka scoring first-half penalties. They have also made some intriguing permanent signings this week with the additions of Sergio Camello, Jorge de Frutos and Dani Cardenas.
THE TEAM NEWS
GRANADA
Paco Lopez began his reign as Granada boss with a back three and, albeit they lost, it was a performance with some promising signs so the Andalusians are likely to remain unchanged with no fresh injuries or suspension concerns.
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Ferreira; Vallejo, Miguel Angel, Miquel; Callejon, Ruiz, Gumbau, Melendo, Neva; Samu, Uzuni
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Torrente (Injured)
RAYO VALLECANO
Francisco named a 4-2-3-1 system last weekend with captain Oscar Trejo pushing forward to often make it either a 4-1-4-1 or 4-4-2. Rayo come into this on the back of an impressive win and have no fresh injury concerns so they should name an unchanged eleven this weekend.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Aridane, Lejeune, Espino; Lopez, Valentin; Palazon, Trejo, Garcia; Nteka
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Both of these sides are expected to be down the bottom end of the table with the hosts only just being promoted and the visitors having had their squad turned upside down. However, both made positive starts to the season with Granada being competitive at likely title challengers and Rayo getting off the mark with an away win. Both teams play a front foot style which is not common in La Liga anymore and both are quite well evenly matched. A fairly entertaining encounter for the neutral does appear to be in store.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
