Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Manuel Pellegrini and his Real Betis side are trying to cope with domestic and European commitments that are knackering the squad ahead of facing an intense Rayo Vallecano side.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 22nd December, 2024: UK – 8:0pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Real Betis Preview: Betis getting by
Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis, just when you think they are going to fade down the table with a small squad playing on the continent as well, have pulled off a few very impressive results to launch themselves back into top seven contention ahead of this weekend.
The Andalusians defeated Villarreal by two goals to one at El Madrigal last weekend a week after they had rescued a point against Barcelona in a 2-2 draw at the Benito Villamarin. They secured UEFA Europa Conference League knockout football in midweek with a 1-0 defeat of HJK.
Rayo Vallecano Preview: The entertaining Rayo
With Andoni Iraola’s former assistant coach Inigo Perez at the helm, Rayo Vallecano have rediscovered their intense style of football whereby they seek to swarm and overwhelm opposition and it is extremely entertaining to watch, mainly at Vallecas.
They shared a thrilling 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in a Madrid derby at Vallecas last weekend in a topsy turvy clash when they were 2-0 up and then 3-2 down. Then, in midweek, they continued their strong campaign with a 1-1 draw against Villarreal at El Madrigal.
Real Betis Team News: Chimy Avila suspension
It is no shock that Chimy Avila is once again missing through suspension for this one and they have some key injury concerns, too, such as Rui Silva, William Carvalho and Marc Roca. Both Hector Bellerin and Pablo Fornals are both injury doubts, too.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Vieites; Sabaly, Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente, Perraud; Johnny Cardoso, Sergio Altimira; Isco, Lo Celso, Abde Ez; Vitor Roque
Unavailable: Silva (Injured), Carvalho (Injured), Marc Roca (Injured), Chimy Avila (Suspended)
Questionable: Hector Bellerin (Injured), Pablo Fornals (Injured)
Rayo Vallecano Team News: Abundance of options
James Rodriguez was not part of the Rayo squad last weekend after he gave an interview suggesting he wanted to play more often. However, Rayo have several more suitable attacking options such as Jorge de Frutos, Isi Palazon and Alvaro Garcia.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alex Batalla; Balliu, Lejeune, Mumin, Alfonso Espino; Oscar Valentin, Pedro Diaz; Jorge de Frutos, Oscar Trejo, Alvaro Garcia; Sergio Camello
Unavailable:
Questionable: Raul de Tomas (Illness)
Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction
Real Betis have played an entertaining style of football throughout the Manuel Pellegrini reign. However, it does appear to be based on moments of quality with a lack of cohesion in both defence and attack. They now face a Rayo side that, even without home comforts, will be intense and seek to swarm Betis. Rayo will take the game to their opponents and it should produce, as ever, a fun watch for the neutral.
Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Tip: Over 2.5 goals
