Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona Betting Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona on and what time does it start? Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona will take place on Saturday 25th November, 2023 – 13:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona on in the UK? Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona in the UK? Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
RAYO VALLECANO
Rayo Vallecano are, once again, performing above expectations with Francisco, following his appointment in the summer, putting early season concerns about his tactical naivety to one side for now. They are currently sitting in the top-half of the table and will be eyeing up a top seven finish and potential European qualification.
They did suffer a 2-1 defeat at home to league leaders Girona before the break, a couple of weeks ago, but that was another impressive and valiant display at Vallecas. The loss followed on from a run of no defeats in their previous nine matches across all competitions, in a run stretching back to before the September international break.
BARCELONA
Performances had to improve this season for Barcelona after winning the Spanish title by generally being reliant on a strong defence and there have been flashes of genuine brilliance from the Catalans so far this season but they have already dropped points in four of their 13 matches in the 2023/24 La Liga campaign.
Prior to the international break, they managed two fairly fortunate victories. A 1-0 win in the Basque Country against Real Sociedad was an impressive win but they needed a second-half Robert Lewandowski brace to come from behind and defeat a struggling Alaves side at home in their final game before the break.
THE TEAM NEWS
RAYO VALLECANO
Francisco is having to deal with a couple of key absentees for this weekend with Alvaro Garcia suspended and their other attacker, Oscar Trejo, out injured.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Dimitrievski; Ratiu, Mumin, Lejeune, Espino; Palazon, Valentin, Lopez, Bebe; Camello, Falcao
UNAVAILABLE: Garcia (Suspended), Trejo (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
BARCELONA
Barcelona are now missing Gavi to a serious knee injury as well as their number one goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, whilst Sergi Roberto remains a doubt.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Pena; Araujo, Kounde, Martinez, Cancelo; Gundogan, Pedri; Yamal, Lopez, Felix; Lewandowski
UNAVAILABLE: Gavi (Injured), ter Stegen (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Roberto (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
A couple of seasons ago, in their first season back in the top-flight, Radamel Falcao scored the only goal as Rayo defeated Barca and they will be playing in front of another hostile, aggressive crowed. The home team will use their intensity and edge, with the likes of Jorge de Frutos and Isi Palazon, to get at a Barcelona side that were never going to be as water-tight as they were last season and are now missing ter Stegen in goal. Barca should come out on top but them keeping a clean sheet is no longer such a likelihood.
BETTING TIP: BARCELONA TO WIN & BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
