Valencia-Rayo Vallecano is a match from the 27th day of La Liga and is played on Monday at 21:00: line-ups, predictions, TV and streaming.
The air is still very tense around the Mestalla. Valencia’s relegation threat remains real and in the twelve games remaining Ruben Baraja’s men cannot make too many missteps.
With the new coach, one who knows the environment inside out having played there for many years as a footballer, the trend has not changed compared to Gattuso’s management. The former midfielder deserves credit for breaking the long losing streak, but the two home victories against Real Sociedad and Osasuna – both 1-0 – were the least the Bats could do to avoid sinking further down the table. Yes, because on the road Valencia know no other result than defeat – the last time they scored away from home was in November against Real Sociedad – and in their last two away games they could not have finished any differently against the much better-ranked Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Yet hopes of keeping their category are not yet lost: in La Liga the fight for relegation is wide open and no one from 11th place down can sleep soundly. And Valencia are currently penultimate, just one point behind safety.
Baraja find Cavani
It goes without saying that the three points become indispensable in the home game against Rayo Vallecano, a match that must be won at all costs to move away from the red zone.
Trejo
Madrileni seem to have given up the dream of qualifying for a European cup and are in danger of being left with no real goals. The Matagigantes’ last success was two months ago and since then Andoni Iraola’s men have recorded four draws and two defeats, a tangible sign of relaxation after a first part of the season that was above expectations. Formation chapter: Baraja will find Cavani again and will have to do without Domenech alone. Kluivert and Lino should also play in the Bats’ attack. No significant defections for the guests either.
The Prediction
At home, Valencia cannot fail this kind of match if they want to bring home salvation. The greater motivation of Baraja’s men should make the difference in a match of less than three goals overall
Valencia v Rayo Vallecano likely line-up
- VALENCIA (4-3-3): Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Diakhaby, Özkacar, Gayà; Nico, Musah, Almeida; Kluivert, Lino, Cavani.
- RAYO VALLECANO (4-3-3): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Lejeune, Catena, García; Valentín, Comesaña, Trejo; Isi, Álvaro, De Tomás.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-0
