Rayo Vallecano will be aiming to record their third victory on the bounce when they take on Getafe, a team that sit just one point behind them in the La Liga standings.

Led by impressive Michu, the club from the suburb of Madrid defied the odds last season and successfully avoided the relegation tussle, but they were again predicted a difficult campaign.

Los Franjirrojos did stay without Michu and Tamudo last summer, but they signed quite a few new players to make sure they are well prepared for another survival fight.

Team’s attack-minded approach was responsible for several heavy defeats, but it also saw Rayo win enough games to make it to the top half of the standings, with Paco Jemez’s side now sitting no less than 10 points above the relegation zone.

Having done so well to beat Valencia and Levante in their last two fixtures, los Franjirrojos are now 2.25 (5/4) with SkyBet to make it three in a row.

Mikel Labaka and Jose Carlos remain sidelined, but Jordi Amat and Piti have resumed full training and will be in contention for the Getafe clash.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Ruben – Tito, Galvez, Amat, Nacho – Trashorras, Javi Fuego – Bangoura, Dominguez, Piti – Baptistao.

Getafe have long ago established themselves as genuine mid table side, and despite numerous changes to the playing squad, the team from Madrid are staying true to their ambitions.

While los Azulones won just one of their first five league games this term, the victory was achieved over arch rivals Real Madrid and it gave them a much needed boost to start playing to their potential.

Getafe then showed a lot of improvement to climb to the top half of the standings, but they did suffer a small dip in form near the end of 2012.

Having failed to win any of their last four fixtures in La Liga and Copa del Rey, los Azulones will be very motivated to end the dismal run against Rayo, with away win paying 3.40 (12/5) at BetVictor.

Full-back Mane is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, meaning that right-back Miguel Torres will have to switch to the left flank.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Moya – Valera, Lopo, Alexis, M. Torres – X. Torres, Michel – Castro, Barrada, Lafita – Alvaro.