Rayo Vallecano – Celta Vigo: Betting Preview
By Dan King under the supervision of Lucas Mondelo.
Rayo Vallecano Preview
Rayo Vallecano comes into this game with morale and confidence sky-high after beating Real Madrid last time out in Vallecas. After the epic 3-2 win over the European and Spanish champions, Rayo has racked up three consecutive wins and now are five matches without suffering defeat.
Fringe attacking men Pozo and Andres Martin are both minor doubts but available, otherwise, manager Iraola has only positive selection dilemmas for the visitor of Celta Vigo. It is possible he uses the same eleven, said to be their strongest possible, which overcame Real Madrid last weekend.
However, with fatigue a factor, then some rotation could be seen. Local media anticipates an unchanged side is likely, but fringe men such as Unai López, Pathé Ciss, Nteka, Salvi and Falcao are all hoping their Basque boss opts to freshen legs with the quick turnaround this week.
Celta Vigo Preview
Celta Vigo starts this round in the bottom three and on the back of a hugely disappointing home loss to Osasuna last time out, going down 1-2 in front of their own supporters. Celta’s morale is low and form of big concern, the visitor has lost 5 from their last 6 games but may see this contest as a good opportunity to halt their bad run of defeats.
Veteran attacking right-back Hugo Mallo is their only significant absence, while American Luca Del Torre also misses out. The full-back is a big loss to the side in both an attacking and defensive sense, the long-term servant is also a key man in the dressing room and his presence is much needed on the pitch during these difficult moments for the club.
Some rotation to freshen up is possible for the trip south. Paciencia could begin ahead of Larsen in attack alongside star man Iago Aspas.
Match Analysis: Preview of the Betting Markets
In the 1×2 markets, the hosts are the favourites with average odds of 2.20 for their victory, after their amazing victory against Real Madrid.
Provided Real Sociedad fails to win in their Wednesday contest against Sevilla, slight favourites Rayo Vallecano in the Asian Handicap markets at current odds of [email protected] know a win in Vallecas pulls them into the top six and European positions.
The host will not have much respect for the opponent on this occasion and given their form and the fact they are full strength coming into the match, Rayo will have their backers here given the draw would return half the stake.
Celta Vigo feels that they are much better than the results suggest and despite the big gap between these clubs in the current table, the away team could easily come away with a point if they can improve in defence.
A draw would return a half win given their +0.25 start at an odds against price, 2.010. Celta will try to stay solid in defence and score first on a break, allowing them to manage the game and perhaps sneak a much-needed win. Celta need to be organised, brave and clinical to get the points on Thursday evening.
In terms of the under/overs goals betting, the market is expecting a fairly tight game with the line set at 2.25. The host are a strong defensive unit but if Celta can get the first goal then this should open up.
One encouraging point on the potential of the match seeing 3 or more goals is the fact neither team will fear each other, so both clubs may be bold in going for the win going into the World Cup break.
Without doubt, big risks will be taken in both units once behind, and so an early goal either way should produce an open and entertaining match. Rayo are deemed the more defensive/unders type side whereas the more expansive Celta Vigo have seen 4 from their last 5 games contain 3 goals or more.
