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Espanyol will hope to halt their unwanted streak when they make the trip to Estadio de Vallecas for their La Liga encounter with Rayo Vallecano on Thursday.
The visitors’ 14-match winless streak has seen them drop from fifth to 12th in La Liga, and they are now in danger of getting relegated.
On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano will set their sights on a third consecutive home win.
Read our Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol prediction, preview and betting tips. You can also check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Contents
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol key stats
- Ten of Espanyol's last 11 matches produced goals at both ends.
- Five or more cards were awarded in six of the last seven H2Hs.
- Rayo Vallecano have lost four consecutive clashes between these sides.
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol preview: Espanyol's struggles set to continue?
| Rayo Vallecano | vs | Espanyol |
|---|---|---|
| 13th | Position | 10th |
| 35 | Points | 38 |
| 29 | Goals For | 37 |
| 38 | Goals Against | 48 |
| 9 | Clean Sheets | 8 |
| 11th | Home Rank | 16th |
| 16th | Away Rank | 8th |
*These figures were accurate at the time of publishing.
Despite their 3-1 defeat at AEK Athens last week, Rayo Vallecano advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League with a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Interestingly, although the hosts are coming off back-to-back losses, they have been one of the toughest home teams in La Liga this season, having lost only two of their 15 league matches at Estadio de Vallecas.
Rayo will have to do without Luiz Felipe, as the Italian defender is sidelined till May because of a thigh injury, while there are doubts surrounding the availability of Alvaro Garcia (muscle).
The hosts will also have defenders Florian Lejeune and Nobel Mendy missing the action through suspension, as both players have accumulated yellow cards.
Jorge de Frutos, who has 10 La Liga goals this season, should lead the line for Rayo, with Isi Palazon and Unai Lopez as notable starters.
On the other hand, Espanyol suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of local rivals Barcelona in their last outing. The visitors are now without a win in 14 consecutive league matches and have not tasted victory this year.
Javi Puado has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, with the versatile forward nursing a cruciate ligament injury, while midfielder Urko Gonzalez de Zarate is missing due to suspension.
With the visitors yet to win a game in 2026, coach Manolo Gonzalez is exploring several attacking options. For this clash, Kike Garcia may be preferred as the lone striker up front.
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol form guide & betting tips
| Rayo Vallecano | vs | Espanyol |
|---|---|---|
| D-D-L-W-L | Form | D-L-L-D-L |
| 5 | Points | 2 |
| 15th | Form Table | 20th |
| 3 | Goals For | 4 |
| 6 | Goals Against | 9 |
Whispers Predicts: Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Espanyol
At 2.19, Rayo Vallecano are considered favourites by the bookies.
Although the hosts lost the last four H2Hs, Espanyol are going through a rough patch and are still hunting for their first win of the year.
We should expect a card fest, as five or more cards were awarded in seven of Rayo Vallecano's last eight matches, five of Espanyol's last six games, and in six of the last seven H2Hs.
Bearing in mind that three or more goals were scored in nine of Espanyol's last 11 fixtures, we over 2.5 total goals at 2.15 should be worth a punt.
> BTTS - Yes at 1.89 | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 goals at 2.15 | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result - Rayo Vallecano at 2.19 | Likelihood: Probable
> Rayo Vallecano & BTTS - Yes at 4.70 | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score: 2-1 at 9.25 | Likelihood: Outsider