On Sunday afternoon, Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol clash at the Estadio de Vallecas in a vital game in the visitor’s fight for La Liga survival.
Rayo Vallecano form guideLos Franjirrojos still have a chance of a top-seven finish and a place in the Europa Conference League next season. Andoni Iraola’s team is just two points adrift of Girona, who currently occupy the last European spot in the Spanish top-flight.
An inconsistent recent run of form in La Liga has hampered their chances of playing continental football next season. In fact, a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis last time out in the league means that Rayo have won three and lost three of their previous six league matches.
Rayo Vallecano have a solid recent home record in La Liga, as they have recorded three straight league wins on home soil, having scored two goals in each of the victories.
Espanyol form guideThe Catalan giants are in big trouble going into the last four matches of the season in La Liga. Luis Garcia’s team are in 19th place in the table, four points adrift of the safety of 17th place Real Valladolid. Anything but a win would make it extremely difficult for the visitors to escape the drop zone.
A 4-2 home defeat last time out against city rivals Barcelona means that Espanyol has lost three of their previous four matches in La Liga, having conceded at least two goals in all three of the recent losses.
Latest team newsRayo Vallecano will be without the suspended pair Mario Suarez and Oscar Valentin. Meanwhile, Espanyol’s only likely absentees are likely to be Gori and Martin Braithwaite due to various injuries.
What am I backing?Espanyol desperately needs a victory, but I am backing Rayo Vallecano to record a win to boost their top-seven chances in La Liga.