Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo Predictions & Match Preview

Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo predictions and match preview for Thursday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as Celta travel to Vallecas.

Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo Preview

Thursday is the final day of LaLiga action before the World Cup and for Rayo Vallecano, this represents the chance to go into the break on a real high. Having beaten Real Madrid in impressive fashion here on Monday, they’ll be hoping to give the Vallecas crowd more reason to cheer.

Andoni Iraola was sent off in Monday’s derby clash with Los Blancos but he and his team continue to impress and defy all expectations. His side were outstanding against the defending champions, looking the hungrier team throughout and were worthy winners with Oscar Trejo’s retaken penalty in the 2nd Half sealing a victory which moved them onto 21 points.

They did put a big effort into that game and that may be the only concern from a Rayo perspective heading into this one. They play with such intensity that it may be tough to replicate only 72 hours later but at least they haven’t had to travel. Iraola has one or two options for rotation but they are a bit short in terms of squad depth in some areas so the Rayo boss will be hoping he can get one last big effort out of his players before the World Cup break.

This is an even bigger game for Celta Vigo in many respects. They slipped into the relegation zone at the weekend with a 2-1 home defeat against Osasuna in what was Carlos Carvalhal’s first game in charge. The Portuguese boss could do with at least one positive result before the break, otherwise it really will feel like Celta are going to be preparing for a relegation battle in the second half of the season.

The decision to sack Chacho Coudet wasn’t universally welcomed in Vigo. It didn’t feel like the kind of situation where a coach had totally lost the dressing room and fanbase, but the board clearly felt a change was necessary. One of the main issues was a poor defensive record with Celta having let in 26 goals so far this term, the second worst return in the division. Carvalhal could probably do with one or two additions in that area in January if he is going to significantly improve matters.

Team News & Possible Lineups

Rayo Vallecano

Possible XI: Dimitrievski – Fran Garcia, Catena, Lejeune, Balliu – Comesana, Valentin – Alvaro Garcia, Trejo, Isi – Camello (4-2-3-1)

Coach: Andoni Iraola

Celta Vigo

Possible XI: Marchesin – Galan, Nunez, Aidoo, Mingueza – Cervi, Veiga, Beltran, Oscar – Aspas, Paciencia (4-4-2)

Coach: Carlos Carvalhal

Score Prediction: Rayo 2-1 Celta

If Rayo can summon the energy to go again here, this is the kind of game they ought to fancy. Celta are fragile defensively and the appointment of a new coach didn’t have the immediate impact they’d have hoped for at the weekend. There’s a real possibility that Carvalhal will go into the international break having lost both of his league games in charge.

PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.