Rayo Vallecano vs Elche Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Perhaps problematically, La Liga football returns to Vallecas this weekend as Rayo Vallecano come up against Elche in Madrid on Saturday.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – 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 / USA – ESPN+
Rayo Vallecano preview: Off-field issues
A couple of weeks ago, Rayo Vallecano’s clash with Athletic Club was suspended and then abandoned due to supporter protests against the club following the poor running of the club that led to them beginning this season playing home games in Leganes.
Back away from Vallecas in the Community of Madrid last week, Rayo went to the Coliseum to share a 1-1 draw against Getafe with Martin Satriano scoring a 26th minute equaliser after Alvaro Garcia has opened the scoring early on.
Elche preview: Improved Elche
Elche, after swapping out Eder Sarabia for former FC Porto boss Martin Anselmi over the summer, began their season without a win in their opening six matches but they have shown improvement either side of the international break.
After winning with ten men from early on away at Espanyol a few weeks ago, Elche have returned from the aforementioned break with back-to-back goalless draws; at home to Celta Vigo and then away at Villarreal last week.
Rayo Vallecano team news: Ciss suspended
Rayo are now without Pathe Ciss as he is missing through suspension with Randy Nteka a fresh injury doubt as Andrei Ratiu works his way back from an injury sustained on international duty with Romania earlier this month.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Audero; Balliu, Lejeune, Sadick, Adria Pedrosa; Unai Lopez, Oscar Valentin; Isi Palazon, Alvaro Garcia, Jorge de Frutos; Sergio Camello
Unavailable: Augusto Batalla (Injured), Luiz Felipe (Injured), Ciss (Suspended)
Questionable: Ratiu (Fitness), Nteka (Injured)
Elche team news: Marc Aguado out
Elche are now without Marc Aguado for their trip to the capital city as the versatile midfielder suffered an ankle injury in their regional derby against Villarreal.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Matias Dituro; Javi Morcillo, Victor Chust, Revivo; Sangare, Gustavo Villar, Federico Redondo, Lemar, German Valera; Lucas Cepeda, Osorio
Unavailable: Marc Aguado (Injured)
Questionable:
Rayo Vallecano vs Elche prediction
Martin Anselmi was known for a more proactive style of football, matching that of previous coach Eder Sarabia, but Elche’s improvement has come from a more conservative and sturdy style of football in recent weeks. They head to a Rayo side that are often profligate despite Benat San Jose maintaining a similar intensity as to that that was shown under Inigo Perez at Rayo. Whether or not the game starts and finishes is up in the air but a low-scoring contest remains likely.
Rayo Vallecano vs Elche tip: Under 2.5 goals
