Real Valladolid vs Rayo Vallecano 05/01/19

05 January 2019

La Liga returnees go head-to-head at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla as Real Valladolid welcome Rayo Vallecano.

Winless in their last two La Liga outings (D1, L1), the Pucelanos go in chase of their first home triumph after four successive failures (D2, L2), in which they’ve managed to keep just one clean sheet. The Blanquivioletas have lost their previous two home clashes, conceding seven goals while scoring four in the process. Sergio Gonzalez’s men feel more comfortable on the road, as they’ve collected more points playing away from home this campaign. Valladolid’s defensive frailties have seen them concede in six out of nine home games so far. Meanwhile, the returnees have struggled to hit the back of the net three times in front of the local crowd, with only three teams scoring fewer goals at home than Valladolid this season.

Rooted in the relegation zone, Los Franjirrojos have failed to climb up the table ever since returning to the top flight. However, with two wins in their last four La Liga encounters, Michel’s players have closed the gap on the safe territory to three points as they now seek back-to-back league wins for the first time this campaign. However, Los Vallecanos are dealing with immense problems playing away from home, having lost on the previous five road trips, failing to find the back of the net four times in the process. Their tally of just four points after eight road games (W1, D1, L6) is the second-worst in the Spanish top flight, with Rayo Vallecano keeping barely one clean sheet on the road this term.

Provisional line-up – Real Valladolid:

Gk: Jordi Masip Defense: Nacho – Javi Moyano – Calero – Kiko Olivas Midfield: Leo Suarez – Michel – Plano – Alcaraz Attack: Keko – Enes Unal

Provisional line-up – Rayo Vallecano:

Gk: Dimitrievski Defense: Alex Moreno – Jordi Amat – Abdoulaye Ba – Velasquez – Advincula Midfield: Comesana – Imbula Attack: Pozo – Raul de Tomas – Embarba