Rayo Vallecano vs Mallorca Preview: Team News & Prediction
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This game could have been a playoff for European football but Real Mallorca have since drifted away from the top eight, whilst Rayo Vallecano can still now achieve a top eight finish.
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 Rayo Vallecano vs Mallorca may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Rayo Vallecano preview: Pushing for Europe
Rayo Vallecano come into this one on the back of a continuation of their return to some much-needed improved form as they came from behind to defeat Celta Vigo by two goals to one at Balaidos in Galicia in their most recent outing, last weekend.
Inigo Perez have now enjoyed a four-match unbeaten run of form as they begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting tucked inside the top eight and the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying spots in La Liga.
Mallorca preview: Slipped into mid-table
Real Mallorca were in the hunt for a top eight finish throughout the campaign following the appointment of former Osasuna boss Jago Arrasate to replace now Mexico manager Javier Aguirre last summer but they have drifted away from the top eight.
The Balearic Islanders come into this one on the back of a 2-1 loss to Getafe in Palma de Mallorca last weekend in a game in which they were comfortably the worst of the two sides. They have now managed just one win in their last six matches in La Liga.
Rayo Vallecano team news: Oscar Valentin suspended
Rayo Vallecano are without defensive midfielder Oscar Valentin as he is missing through suspension for this one, whilst defender Abdul Mumin remains sidelined due to an ACL injury. Aridane Hernandez and Sergio Camello also remain doubts for the hosts.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Auguste Batalla; Balliu, Lejeune, Ciss, Alfonso Espino; Ratiu, Unai Lopez, Gerard Gumbau, Adria Embarba; Jorge de Frutos, Isi Palazon
Unavailable: Mumin (Injured), Oscar Valentin (Suspended)
Questionable: Aridane (Injured), Sergio Camello (Injured)
Mallorca team news: A few injuries
As they make the trip to Vallecas this weekend, Mallorca have a fresh injury concern as Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Chiquinho is now a doubt alongside Takuma Asano, whilst experienced attacker Abdon remains sidelined due to a calf injury.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Greif; Mateu Morey, Valjent, Antonio Raillo, Johan Mojica; Omar Mascarell, Costa; Pablo Maffeo, Sergi Darder, Dani Rodriguez; Muriqi
Unavailable: Abdon (Injured)
Questionable: Chiquinho (Injured), Asano (Injured)
Rayo Vallecano vs Mallorca prediction
Rayo Vallecano had endured a difficult run of form through the spring and the Madrid-based outfit have now pushed towards European spots. They face a Mallorca side that sit firmly in the middle-of-the-table and may well be so disheartened as to take off the final game of the campaign in terms of their motivation levels and slip into the bottom-half. Rayo have to be viewed as favourites at Vallecas to secure an unlikely qualification for European competition.
Rayo Vallecano vs Mallorca tip: Rayo Vallecano to win
