The visitors are coming off their biggest win of the season but face a tough test when they face an Unai Emery side fighting for their Champions League dream
Estadio de Mestalla — Valencia
Team News
Valencia
Valencia reversed their league form of recent weeks to become only the
third side all season to keep Real Madrid scoreless and pick up a
valuable point to remain in the final Champions League place. Unai Emery surprised many with his starting XI at the Bernabéu, but he
is expected to recall Roberto Soldado, Jérémy Mathieu and Jonas for the
visit of Rayo. Hedwiges Maduro made his return after six months out as a late
substitute against AZ Alkmaar last week and he could be involved in
league action for the first time since returning to full fitness. Antonio Barragan is also expected to return at right-back ahead of Ricardo Costa.
probable lineups : Guaita, Alba, Ruiz, Rami, Barragán, Albelda, Maduro, Mathieu, Jonas, Hernández, Soldado. (4-2-3-1).
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo also bucked their recent run of form by smashing six past Osasuna
to record their biggest ever victory in the Primera Division on
Saturday. Michu was on target twice to take his tally for the season to 15, just
one behind Soldado as the top-scoring Spaniard in the league. Diego Costa was also in fine form as he scored his seventh goal in 10
games for Rayo and the Brazilian also had a hand in three of the other
goals.
Jorge Pulido's recall on Saturday also helped guide Rayo to only their
second clean sheet in nine games so he should keep his place alongside
Alejandro Arribas in central defence.
However Jose Ramon Sandoval will be forced into at least one change as
Piti is suspended so Lass should return on the right-hand side.
probable lineups : Robles, Tito, Arribas, Pulido, Casado, Fuego, Movilla, Lass, Michu, Armenteros, Costa. (4-2-3-1).
Match Facts
Valencia have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 9 matches against Rayo Vallecano in all competitions.
Valencia have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 9 matches against Rayo Vallecano in all competitions.
Valencia have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 matches against Rayo Vallecano in all competitions.
Valencia have won 5 of their last 6 matches against Rayo Vallecano in all competitions.
Rayo Vallecano have conceded at least 4 goals in their last 3 away matches in La Liga.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Rayo Vallecano's last 8 away games in La Liga.
Rayo Vallecano have lost their last 3 away matches in La Liga.
Head to Head
| Apr 8, 2012 | Real Madrid CF 0 - Valencia CF 0 | LIGA |
| Apr 5, 2012 | Valencia CF 4 - AZ 0 | EL |
| Apr 1, 2012 | Valencia CF 1 - Levante 1 | LIGA |
| Mar 29, 2012 | AZ 2 - Valencia CF 1 | EL |
| Mar 24, 2012 | Getafe 3 - Valencia CF 1 | LIGA |
| Apr 7, 2012 | Rayo Vallecano 6 - Osasuna 0 | LIGA |
| Apr 1, 2012 | Real Sociedad 4 - Rayo Vallecano 0 | LIGA |
| Mar 25, 2012 | Rayo Vallecano 0 - Villarreal 2 | LIGA |
| Mar 22, 2012 | Malaga 4 - Rayo Vallecano 2 | LIGA |
| Mar 17, 2012 | Rayo Vallecano 3 - Betis 0 | LIGA |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Nov 26, 2011 | Rayo Vallecano 1 - Valencia CF 2 |
Prediction
Emery admitted weeks ago that one of Valencia's problems in the league
had been a lack of motivation as they had been clear in third place for
such a long period of time.
Hopefully for Los Che's sake being usurped by Malaga in the final
position for automatic qualification for the Champions League will force
Emery's men to find the form they had in the first-half of the season,
and if they are to reclaim third spot they need to start winning games
like this.
Rayo are terrific fun to watch and their games always conjure up goals,
but sometimes away from home against the big sides they are too open for
their own good and that could play right into Valencia's hands.
Valencia 3 - 1 Rayo Vallecano
0 comments:
Post a Comment