Rayo Vallecano vs Real Betis Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Rayo Vallecano vs Real Betis on and what time does it start? Rayo Vallecano vs Real Betis will take place on Sunday 17th March, 2024 – 17:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Rayo Vallecano vs Real Betis? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Rayo Vallecano vs Real Betis on in the UK? Rayo Vallecano vs Real Betis 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 Real Betis in the UK? Rayo Vallecano vs Real Betis can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
RAYO VALLECANO
It has been a bizarre season for Rayo Vallecano. They were expected to struggle badly after losing their manager and several key players in the summer but started brightly under Francisco. However, a terrible run of form under Francisco led to his sacking and the appointment of Inigo Perez. Performances have improved under Perez but results have remained bad or arguably even worse.
Rayo now begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting four points above Cadiz who occupy 18th spot in the bottom three and the relegation places. They have struggled for goals throughout the campaign with just 23 scored – the lowest amount in La Liga. They come into this one on the back of a 1-0 loss to Alaves up in the Basque Country last weekend.
REAL BETIS
Under the management of former Manchester City and Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting just about tucked inside the top seven and the European qualification spots in La Liga but the Chilean is coming under pressure after a poor few weeks in charge of the Andalusians.
After being stunned over two legs by Dinamo Zagreb in the knockout playoffs of the UEFA Europa Conference League last month, Betis have now suffered back-to-back defeats. They come into this one on the back of losing 3-2 at the Benito Villamarin at the weekend, despite leading that game at half-time. Chimy Avila was also sent off for a tussle with Alberto Moreno mid-way through the second-half.
THE TEAM NEWS
RAYO VALLECANO
Rayo Vallecano have a couple of doubts for this weekend’s visit of Betis. Winger Alvaro Garcia is one of those as well as Diego Mendez for this one.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Aridane, Lejeune, Espino; Lopez, Ciss; Palazon, Perez, de Frutos; de Tomas
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Garcia (Injured), Mendez (Injured)
REAL BETIS
Lyon-bound Abner is a doubt for this weekend alongside Claudio Bravo and Isco. Chimy Avila is missing through suspension, whilst Cedric Bakambu is out injured.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Silva; Sabaly, Sokratis, Riad, Miranda; Rodriguez, Carvalho; Fornals, Fekir, Abde Ez; Willian Jose
UNAVAILABLE: Avila (Suspended), Bellerin (Injured), Garcia (Injured), Bakambu (Injured), Bartra (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Bravo (Injured), Abner (Injured), Isco (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Both Inigo Perez and Manuel Pellegrini meet at Vallecas under major pressure for their respective jobs. As mentioned, Rayo Vallecano are the lowest scorers in La Liga and they are expected to spend the final couple of months of the season fending off the relegation battle. Real Betis will want to steady the ship in time to avoid falling out of the top four with the Andalusians also struggling for goals, managing just 34 goals in 28 matches so far this season. A low-scoring, low quality affair is to be expected on Sunday.
TIP: UNDER 3.5 GOALS
