Las Palmas Preview
Overview
Rayo Vallecano will seek their third successive win in all competitions when they face off against Las Palmas in their next La Liga match. The Friday night match pits the two sides against each other at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, as Rayo aims to make it back-to-back victories, while Las Palmas seeks to earn a victory that will lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
Current Standings
Rayo Vallecano occupies the ninth place in La Liga with 16 points from 11 games, only three points behind Athletic Bilbao, who lies sixth. Las Palmas, on the other hand, lies 18th, having only won 9 points in their first 12 games.
Match Preview
Rayo Vallecano has had some solid defense this season, allowing 10 goals in more than 11 games, less than the top-of-the-table teams such as Barcelona and Real Madrid, both having conceded 11. Under manager Inigo Perez, Rayo has earned four wins, four draws, and three losses-something on which they can build going into this fixture.
The team comes off a strong 5-0 win over Villamuriel in the Copa del Rey, along with a 1-0 La Liga victory over Alaves. With their match postponed last weekend due to flash floods in Spain, Rayo are well-rested and ready to put on a show at home, where they have garnered eight points in five games.
The team definitely improved with their wins against Valencia, Girona, and Ontinena last month, while their most recent event saw them fall to Atletico Madrid 2-0. The manager Garcia Pimienta’s team has gone through a really tough start of the season: they picked up nine points so far from 12 matches, two wins, three draws, and seven losses. Despite their tally of 13 goals this season, Las Palmas has had some pretty significant defensive issues, conceding 21 goals to date, and can easily be considered one of the more fragile backlines in La Liga.
Team News
Rayo Vallecano:
Out: Diego Mendez and Alfonso Espino (injuries), Abdul Mumin and Unai Lopez (suspensions).
Raul de Tomas, following his brace in the Copa del Rey, is expected to be benched.
Gerard Gumbau is expected to continue in midfield.
Las Palmas:
Out: Jasper Cillessen, Enzo Loiodice, Adnan Januzaj, Marvin Park
Dinko Horkas will start between the posts with Cillessen out with his recent head injury.
Sandro Ramirez, Fabio Silva, Alberto Moleiro are expected to lead the attack while Dario Essugo anchors the midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Rayo Vallecano
Formation: 4-4-2
Starting XI: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Aridane, Chavarria; De Frutos, Valentin, Gumbau, A Garcia; Palazon, Camello.
Las Palmas
Formation: 4-3-3
Starting XI: Horkas; Rozada, Suarez, McKenna, Munoz; K Rodriguez, Essugo, Campana; Sandro, F Silva, Moleiro.
Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Las Palmas
Even though Las Palmas has been in good form lately, the good form of Rayo this season gives them the edge, combined with their solidity in defense. Las Palmas may create chances for a goal, but Rayo’s home advantage and a well-rounded line-up should seal the narrow win.
