Rayo Vallecano host Valencia on Saturday in La Liga in desperate need of points. The Red Sashes are 14th in the Primera and on a two-match losing streak ahead of matchday No. 5.
Valencia are coming off of a win last time out. Their 5-1 victory over Getafe ended a two-match losing streak in La Liga. Now, Valencia are seeking back-to-back wins in the Primera.
Draws have been the main result of recent meetings between Rayo Vallecano and Valencia.
⏳ #RayoValencia https://t.co/z9Sou4Pdaj— Rayo Vallecano (@RayoVallecano) September 8, 2022
⏳ #RayoValencia https://t.co/z9Sou4Pdaj
Four of the last six games in all competitions between these rivals finished as stalemates. Rayo Vallecano won once and Valencia won once in the other fixtures played by these teams.
Until Valencia exploded for five goals versus Getafe on matchday No. 4, Los Che had only scored one goal in three matches.
Their 5-1 victory is a bit deceiving in terms of goals for. However, coach Gennaro Gattuso will hope the victory over Getafe will be a step in the right direction.
Rayo Vallecano lost 2-1 away to Osasuna on matchday No. 4. Just three goals have been scored by Rayo this season while conceding four times.
All three goals have been scored by three different players this season. Pathe Cisse, Florian Lejeune, and Isaac Camacho have all got on the scoresheet for Rayo.
Valencia's six goals in La Liga have been spread around to six different players. Gattuso will hope some goal scoring consistent will start this weekend against a team that should fight for survival in La Liga.
Gattuso will likely use a 4-3-3 formation once more with Hugo Duro possibly coming into the side to start after scoring versus Getafe a week ago. Samu Castillejo should keep his place on the right wing after bagging a goal as well.
Rao Vallecano manager Iraola has two players in the treatment room ahead of the match. Goalkeeper Diego Lopez is a doubt due to a knock. Forward Andres Martin is also a doubt following a shoulder injury.
Gattuso will be without on-loan midfielder Ilaix Moriba due to a suspension. Goalkeeper Jaume Domenech is ruled out with an ACL injury. Defender Mouctar Diakhby has a hamstring injury which will keep him out until October. Forward Marco de Sousa is a major doubt due to a contusion.
Valencia rolled by Getafe on matchday No. 4 and they should get by Rayo Vallecano with similar ease. Los Che should win 2-0 with Rayo struggling in front of goal once more.