Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo 12/01/19

12 January 2019

An improving Rayo Vallecano side welcome a vulnerable Celta Vigo to the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas looking to clinch a third successive La Liga victory for the first time since returning to the top flight.

Los Franjirrojos’ consistency issues followed by numerous ups and downs have seen them gone from three consecutive defeats to two straight wins as Michel hopes to see his men securing their elusive first back-to-back home triumphs this campaign. Los Vallecanos’ principal problem over the past seven weeks relates to their uninspiring displays in the final third as the returnees scored under 1.5 goals per match six times in their last seven meetings in all competitions, failing to hit the back of the net four times in the process. What’s more, Michel’s players have struggled to keep a clean sheet in eight of the previous ten games in all competitions. Rayo Vallecano hold the second-worst defensive record in the Spanish top tier, having conceded in 15 out of the opening 18 La Liga clashes, allowing over 1.5 goals per match ten times in the run.

On the other hand, the visitors come into this meeting following a disappointing 2-1 home loss to Athletic Bilbao earlier this weekend, which was their second successive La Liga failure. Winless in their last three league outings (D1, L2), the Celtics have dropped down the table, as they now stand just four points clear of the relegation zone. Moreover, Celta’s poor road form (W2, D2, L4) have seen them secure just one triumph on their last seven LL road trips, suffering four losses in the process. Only Huesca (7) conceded over 1.5 goals per match in more clashes on the road than Celta (6) this term, with Miguel Cardoso’s team still trying to keep a clean sheet away from home. Still, Celta’s road encounters have been entertaining for the neutral, with six of their eight away games producing over 2.5 goals.

Provisional line-up – Rayo Vallecano:

Gk: Dimitrievski Defense: Velasquez – Jordi Amat – Alex Moreno – Abdoulaye Ba – Advincula Midfield: Alvaro Medran – Comesana – Oscar Trejo Attack: Raul de Tomas – Embarba

Provisional line-up – Celta Vigo:

Gk: Ruben Blanco Defense: Hugo Mallo – David Junca – Araujo – Cabral Midfield: Lobotka – Fran Beltran – Brais Mendez – Okay – Boufal Attack: Maxi Gomez