Prediction: Rayo Vallecano vs Alaves

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to mark their return from the international break with an upset on the road, Alaves will travel to Vallecas when they meet Rayo Vallecano on Friday night.

Rayo Vallecano

Starting with the hosts, while Rayo Vallecano might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with an early-season flurry, Los Franjirrojos certainly came crashing back down to earth prior to September’s international break. Last seen earlier in the month getting hit with a 1-0 loss away at Real Betis, Francisco’s side are seeking some much-needed stability. Coming under plenty of scrutiny on August 28th as they were hit with an infamous 7-0 drumming at the hands of Atletico Madrid, the former Girona boss should also be concerned by his most recent meeting against Friday’s hosts. Suffering a 1-0 loss when they travelled to the Mendizorrotza 17 months ago, Rayo Vallecano will be desperate to avoid another potential banana skin this weekend. It should also be highlighted, continuing on from last season, Francisco’s men have won just five of their previous 14 La Liga showdowns at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.

Team News

While 27-year-old Jose Pozo might have overcome a recent knock during September’s international break, the one-time Manchester City starlet will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench this weekend.

Featuring last week while on AFCON qualifying duties with Cape Verde, one-time Manchester United star Bebe could make a first La Liga start of the season on Friday night. While Raul de Tomas might still be waiting to open his account, the 28-year-old will spearhead Vallecano’s charge here.

Alaves

As for the visitors, making an immediate La Liga return last season following what was a nail-biting play-off run, Alaves are simply trying to avoid another relegation scrap this time around. However, while Luis Garcia Plaza’s men might have opened proceedings with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Cadiz on August 14th, El Glorioso have already claimed some heavyweight scalps. Along with heading into September’s international break with an eye-catching 1-0 win at home against Valencia, Alaves also laid down a real marker as they landed a famous 4-3 victory against Sevilla last month. With some in their camp even eyeing a potential top-10 charge this season, Friday’s guests could be smelling the chance to spring an upset here. Picking up that 1-0 win when they welcomed Rayo Vallecano to the Mendizorrotza back in April 2022, Plaza’s side will be seeking a repeat performance this weekend.

Team News

Suffering a calf injury over the summer and yet to make a single La Liga appearance so far this season, one-time Atletico Madrid starlet Giuliano Simeone still remains on the sidelines.

Bagging a brace against Sevilla on August 21st, 33-year-old Like Garcia should once again spearhead Plaza’s charge on Friday night. Making the move from Real Madrid this summer in a €4million deal, Antonio Blanco will partner former Real Sociedad star Ander Guevara in the middle of the park.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back in April 2022, Alaves landed a gritty 1-0 victory at the Mendizorrotza.
• Friday’s guests have seen three of their opening four La Liga appearances finish with under 2.5 goals.
• Rayo Vallecano entered September’s international break by drawing a blank in their final two La Liga showdowns.
• Continuing on from last season, Francisco’s men have won just five of their previous 14 La Liga showdowns at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.
• Four of the last five meetings between Rayo Vallecano and Alaves have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Rayo Vallecano might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with an eye-catching flurry, it is no secret that Friday’s hosts are seeking some much-needed stability. Last seen getting hit with that toothless 1-0 loss at the hands of Real Betis, Los Franjirrojos could face a potentially banana skin this weekend. Watching Alaves already muster a pair of heavyweight victories against Valencia and Sevilla, Plazza’s top-flight returners should also be excited by their most recent meeting against Vallecano. Landing a 1-0 win when they welcomed Los Franjirrojos to town 15 months ago, chances could come at a premium here. It should be noted, just one of the last five meetings between Friday’s opponents has finished with both teams getting on the scoresheet.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster