Prediction: Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker:

Hoping to find a route out of the La Liga drop zone on Monday night, Celta Vigo will travel to Ray Vallecano.

Rayo Vallecano

Starting with the hosts, while Rayo Vallecano might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with a real La Liga flurry, Francisco’s side have rather drastically come crashing back down to earth. Last seen in top-flight action putting in a nightmare performance as they were hit with a 4-0 drumming away at Athletic Bilbao, the Red Sashes have quickly come tumbling down the table. In fact, along with heading into November’s international break with a 2-1 defeat against Girona, the Vallecas-based outfit are without a win from any of their previous five La Liga appearances. Almost finding themselves stuck in top-flight limbo as we inch closer to the festive break, Rayo Vallecano have the feel of a squad seeking a welcomed boost. It should also be highlighted, Monday’s hosts have failed to secure a single win in front of their own supporters since the middle of September.

Team News

Making a welcomed return while on Copa del Rey duties earlier in the week, 34-year-old Aridane Hernandez could make a first La Liga start since the end of October. Ahead of a crucial showdown on Monday night, Francisco’s side have reported a clean bill of health.

Although one-time Atletico Madrid starlet Sergio Camello might still be waiting to open his La Liga account this season, the 22-year-old should spearhead Vallecano’s charge here. Former Newcastle defender Florian Lejeune will once again partner Abdul Mumin at the back.

Celta Vigo

As for the visitors, while Celta Vigo might have eventually clung to their La Liga status last season, Rafa Benitez’s men find themselves at the heart of another public crisis. Continuing to show a string of issues since opening up the 2023/24 campaign and at the heart of another relegation scrap, there is certainly mounting pressure on the one-time Newcastle boss. Collecting just nine points from their first 15 La Liga appearances this season, Los Celestes have collected just a single win so far this year. Heading into November’s international break with an action-packed 4-3 loss at the hands of Athletic Bilbao, Bentitez’s side have also gained a reputation for their extended issues on the road. In fact, on a run that stems all the way back to the middle of March, Celta Vigo have claimed just a sole top-flight victory away from Balaidos.

Team News

Not expected to feature for the remainder of the season after sustaining a long-term Achilles tendon injury, Celta Vigo will be without the services of former Genk defender Joseph Aidoo on Monday night. However, aside from the Ghana international, Benitez’s side have reported a clean bill of health.

Continuing to shine this season and already notching five La Liga strikes, attacking talisman Jurgen Strand Larsen will certainly have a leading role to play here. Ex-Liverpool striker Iago Aspas should once again partner the Danish international in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *