Villarreal v Rayo Vallecano – Betting Preview
Villarreal Summary
Villarreal’s mood and confidence are strong. They suffered a setback when losing to Real Madrid a few days before a dramatic last gasp win over Girona more recently, a result which boosted spirits.
The 1-0 victory at home keeps them in touch to make a push for the top four, and they will need to win here with both Betis and Atletico winning their respective matches on the weekend.
Seiten is without Giovani Lo Celso and most likely Alfonso Pedraza, while Kiko Femenia is a big doubt.
Foyth, Femenia, Coquelin, and Albiol were back in training, and all cleared to be available.
Pau Torres and Manu Trigueros are also set to be cleared to go but didn’t complete a full session on Saturday and so are considered minor doubts.
Villarreal was hoping to sell Nicolas Jackson last week, but he failed two medicals and returned to the club on the weekend, though no chance of him appearing at this stage.
Rayo Vallecano Summary
Rayo Vallecano is enjoying a positive season and their spirit and confidence are strong. They dropped to a 0-2 loss at home to Real Sociedad last time out, and want to improve the result and performance against another dangerous opponent on Monday night.
Rayo Vallecano is comfortably clear of the relegation zone and instead, looking up at the top six. They would happily take a draw in Villarreal and anything more would be a fantastic bonus.
Rayo has good team news with boss Iraola able to call on almost his entire squad barring perhaps Oscar Valentin and Raul De Tomas. The midfielder Valentin is a big doubt but has not been ruled out.
Unai Lopez is expected to get the nod if Valentin is out.
Raul De Tomas is still seeking match fitness having only just returned from a very long-term absence. He also has a chance to make the trip but won’t begin even if he does.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Villarreal are having an excellent season and come into the game in strong home form. They are the favourite to win @ 1.71. The draw is @ 3.85, while a Rayo Vallecano victory is the big outsider @ 5.00.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. Villarreal have been perfect in league contest at home side their stadium was upgraded, beating tough teams too including Real Madrid. Villarreal -0.75 would need to win by two goals or more for a full win @ 1.92. Rayo +0.75 @ 1.940 will not be a pushover, a similar standard opponent to Girona who Villarreal were fortunate to beat last week. Would swerve this market but just a little closer to the visitor to make it closer than the market expects.
Looking at The Under/Over goal line last of all. The weekend produced some very low scoring and dull matches in la Liga, but these two sides could put on a decent show to at leas end the round in style. Both sides work plenty of chances and play on the front foot, and neither sit back too much when ahead. Over 2.5 @ 1.98 is a clear preference. Under 2.5 is @1.80.
