High-flying Rayo Vallecano sit in the top part of the table following a goalless draw at Osasuna and are now looking to win their third successive home game. Valencia responded well to the narrow defeat to Real Madrid, having hammered Genk 7:0 and los Che now hope to return to winning ways in La Liga.

Rayo exceeding expectations

Rayo Vallecano faced a tough task after gaining promotion to Spanish La Liga seeing that they were operating on a tight budget and needed quite a few new signings in order to prepare for the elite division. While staying without Armenteros, Koke and David Aganzo, they did well to sign several experienced players in Raul Tamudo, Raul Bravo, Roberto Trashorras and Labaka, while also adding youngsters Pedro Botelho, Dani Pacheco and Michu. Rayo had a pretty slow start to the season, but they have shown a lot of improvement of late, winning three of their last five games. Jose Ramon Sandoval’s side haven’t been too impressive at home, picking up just one point from first three games at Teresa Rivero before beating Malaga and Real Sociedad there. The club from Vallecas are now looking to continue the good home run, but in-form Valencia might prove to be too strong for them at the moment.

With no fresh injuries to reports, Jose Ramon Sandoval should be able to field his strongest line-up, although Raul Tamudo is expected to replace Andrija Delibasic in the starting line-up.

Valencia bagged seven goals against Genk

Valencia are playing really well this season and they are once again hot favourites for the third place in La Liga. With Real Madrid and Barcelona virtually untouchable, los Che are fighting to be the best of the rest and they are certainly on the right track. After showing some inconsistency in September and October, los Che have stabilized their form of late, having won five of last six games in all competitions, losing only to Real Madrid. Unai Emery’s side quickly recovered from the unlucky defeat to los Blancos, having hammered Genk 7:0 to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Valencia not only managed to record a morale-boosting win, but they also rested several star players for this clash, so there are no doubts los Che will be looking to beat Rayo and thus continue the impressive run of results.

Ever Banega, Hedwiges Maduro and Sergio Canales remain sidelined, but Guaita, Jordi Alba and Albelda should return to the side.

Verdict

Rayo Vallecano have been pretty inconsistent this term and it feels as though they are punching above their weight. Valencia, on the other hand, have been in remarkable form of late and they should have it in them to record another win on the road.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.25 (5/4)

Bookmaker: William Hill