Real Betis 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 Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano on and what time does it start? Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano will take place on Saturday 2nd September, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano on in the UK? Real Betis 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 Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano in the UK? Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
REAL BETIS
The vast majority of clubs in Spain’s top-flight, and even throughout the football pyramid, have financial difficulties and, despite the incredible amount of season ticket holders at the Benito Villamarin, Real Betis are one of those clubs, too. Their low cost summer transfer window has remained an impressive one with summer signings Hector Bellerin and Isco performing well.
The Andalusians, under the management of former West Ham, Manchester City and Real Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini, started the season with a dramatic 2-1 win away at Villarreal in which Willian Jose scored a 95th minute winner. That was followed up with a goalless draw at home to Atletico Madrid but they have since been beaten 4-2 by Athletic Club, despite being 2-0 up early on in that match at San Mames.
RAYO VALLECANO
Rayo Vallecano performed a miracle to even gain promotion to the top-flight in 2021, winning the playoffs with Andoni Iraola. Iraola then kept them up and sustained them in mid-table with the occasional flirtation with the European spots but they have, over the summer, lost Iraola as well as several key players such as Santi Comesana, Alejandro Catena and Fran Garcia.
Despite those departures, and the badly disorganised nature of the way in which the club is run, Francisco’s reign in charge of Rayo began with back-to-back 2-0 away victories against Almeria and then newly-promoted Granada. However, last weekend they came crashing back down to Earth as they were hammered 7-0 by an impressive Atletico Madrid side.
THE TEAM NEWS
REAL BETIS
Manuel Pellegrini is without the conveniently injured Luiz Henrique as well as key midfield duo William Carvalho and Nabil Fekir. He is also missing goalkeeper Claudio Bravo for this weekend.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Silva; Sabaly, Pezzella, Felipe, Abner; Rodriguez, Roca; Ruibal, Isco, Perez; Jose
UNAVAILABLE: Luiz Henrique (Injured), Bravo (Injured), Carvalho (Injured), Fekir (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
RAYO VALLECANO
Francisco will be unwilling to change too much despite last weekend’s hammering but new signing Jorge de Frutos will surely come into the starting eleven.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Aridane, Lejeune, Espino; Lopez, Valentin; Palazon, Trejo, de Frutos; de Tomas
UNAVAILABLE: Pozo (Injured), Martin (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
It would be naïve to suggest the heat did not have an impact on Betis’ previous home match whereby there was one shot on target in a 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid. Whilst both of these sides play with a natural intensity, they will also feel the affects of that. However, Pellegrini’s Betis have scored two goals in both of their other games, whilst the visitors conceded seven last week so a home win would appear the most likely outcome of this encounter.
TIP: REAL BETIS TO WIN
