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Rayo Vallecano will entertain 19th-placed Espanyol at the Estadio de Vallecas in La Liga on Sunday.
The hosts' inconsistent run in the league continued on Monday as they suffered a 3-1 away defeat against Real Betis. Interestingly, they have won their last three home games and suffered defeats in their last three away games.
The visitors have 31 points and with just four games left to play this season, they are in danger of being relegated at the end of the season. Nonetheless, just five points separate them from 15th-placed Almeria, so all is not lost yet.
Last Sunday, they suffered a 4-2 defeat at home to local rivals Barcelona. The league winners took a four-goal lead by the 53rd minute and goals from Joselu and Javi Puado were too little too late for Espanyol.
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams will meet for the 40th time in all competitions since 1977 on Sunday. The hosts have the upper hand in the head-to-head record at the moment with 16 wins. The visitors have 11 wins to their name while 12 games have ended in draws.
- Vallecano are on a five-game winning run against the visitors, keeping four clean sheets in that period.
- The visitors have suffered defeats in nine of their last 11 league games and have lost their last six away games in a row.
- Interestingly, the visitors have outscored the hosts 42-41 in 34 league games thus far.
- The hosts have won their last three league games at home by a scoreline of 2-1.
- Vallecano have seen over 2.5 goals in their last seven league games.
- The visitors are winless in their last four away games at Vallecano, failing to score in three games.
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Prediction
Los Franjirrojos are overwhelming favorites in the match thanks to their impressive home record against the visitors and Espanyol's poor away games. They have scored at least two goals in four of their last five games.
Blanquiazules have scored two goals apiece in three of their last four league games and are likely to continue their goalscoring form in this match as well. They have struggled in their recent meetings against the hosts and might fall just short of securing a point for themselves in the match.
Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Espanyol
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Rayo Vallecano
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5
Tip 3: At least a goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Joselu to score or assist any time - Yes
