Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid Preview: Team News & Prediction
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We have a Madrid derby but it is now taking place where it should be, nor even in the city of Madrid, as Rayo Vallecano take on Atletico Madrid at Butarque in Leganes.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / Disney+ / US – ESPN+
Rayo Vallecano preview: Rayo’s disgrace
Off the pitch, Rayo Vallecano and their president are a disgrace. That has long been the case but, amid suggestions of a conspiracy, last week heightened that with their game against fellow strugglers Real Oviedo postponed late on due to the condition of their newly laid pitch at Vallecas, a ground that is crumbling itself anyway.
On the pitch, Inigo Perez had Rayo punch above their weight to qualify for Europe for last season but it has proven tricky to balance commitments and they are very much in the relegation battle.
Atletico Madrid preview: Impressive in midweek
Atletico Madrid were magnificent in their punishment of Barcelona at the Metropolitano in midweek as Los Rojiblancos dispatched of the Blaugrana by four goals to nil in an emphatic first-leg victory in their Copa del Rey semi-final.
In La Liga, Atleti have been as inconsistent and as frustrating as ever, sitting 13 points behind Barca with 15 games to go, following their 1-0 loss at home to a Real Betis side that they had beaten 5-0 just a few days’ earlier.
Rayo Vallecano team news: The conspiracy
The reason for suggestions that the timing of laying a pitch they knew wouldn’t be ready have arisen is because Rayo have a couple of key suspensions that will now have run their course by the time they play their six-pointer with Oviedo, as both Pep Chavarria and Pathe Ciss are unavailable.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Augusto Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Alfonso Espino; Pablo Diaz, Gerard Gumbau; Akhomach, Isi Palazon, Alvaro Garcia; Jorge de Frutos
Unavailable: Pep Chavarria (Suspended), Ciss (Suspended)
Questionable: Unai Lopez (Injured)
Atletico Madrid team news: Couple of injuries
There are a couple of injury issues for Atletico to deal with this weekend as Pablo Barrios is a confirmed absentee, while United States international Johnny Cardoso is a doubt.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Oblak; Nahuel Molina, Marc Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Koke, Lookman; Griezmann, Julian Alvarez
Unavailable: Pablo Barrios (Injured)
Questionable: Johnny (Injured)
Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid prediction
Rayo play with immense intensity and that can often suffocate teams but it really works best when they have their home advantage and a full compliment of fully fit and fresh players – two words that cannot be used to describe this current squad. Atletico tend to punish teams that come on to them and, despite the situation, Rayo are still expected to come on to their visitors.
Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid tip: Atletico Madrid to win
