Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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This match is again being played at the neutral venue of Butarque in Leganes due to ongoing issues at Vallecas, reflective of Rayo Vallecano’s chaotic off-field status.
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: Impressive but poor
Despite the off-field chaos and the departure of Inigo Perez as manager, who led Rayo Vallecano to the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League last season, to Villarreal, Rayo have still played some entertaining and good football this season.
However, they have still succumbed to three defeats with just one win in their five games as they come into this one on the back of a capital city derby day loss to Real Madrid, by four goals to one, at the Bernabeu the other day.
Espanyol preview: Steady Espanyol
In the first half of last season, Espanyol were very impressive before collapsing and only just escaping relegation but they have stuck by Manolo Gonzalez and performances have been much-improved.
The Catalans earned themselves a victory at the weekend as they impressively defeated Osasuna by two goals to nil at El Sadar on Saturday, courtesy of a brace scored by in-form striker Roberto Fernandez.
Rayo Vallecano team news: Couple of suspensions
Rayo still have a couple of suspension issues to deal with as key men Fran Perez and Spain international winger Jorge de Frutos remain sidelined for the hosts.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Audero; Ratiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Adria Pedrosa; Unai Lopez, Oscar Valentin; Tsitasivhili, Pablo Diaz, Alvaro Garcia; Sergio Camello
Unavailable: Augusto Batalla (Injured), Vertrouwd (Injured), Luiz Felipe (Injured), Isi Palazon (Injured), Jorge de Frutos (Suspended), Fran Perez (Suspended), Nteka (Injured)
Questionable:
Espanyol team news: Nothing fresh
There are no fresh injury absentees for Espanyol to deal with this week, with summer signing Andoni Gorosabel remaining sidelined alongside attacking duo Javi Puado and Kike.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Riedel, Leandro Cabrera, Roger Hinojo; Urko Gonzalez, Edu Exposito; Marco Fernandez, Javi Hernandez, Dolan; Roberto Fernandez
Unavailable: Andoni Gorosabel (Injured), Javi Puado (Injured), Kike (Injured)
Questionable:
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol prediction
Espanyol’s first five matches have had two victories sandwiching a point and two defeats in their other three games but they remained fairly impressive and a good watch in those three matches. Rayo will still get themselves on the front foot, even in Leganes, and take the game to Espanyol – and so both teams scoring would appear a decent bet for this one on Tuesday.
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol tip: Both teams to score
