Rayo Vallecano is set to play UD Las Palmas at Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas in Friday’s La Liga matchup.
Rayo Vallecano comes into the game riding high after a dominant 5-0 Copa del Rey victory over Villamuriel, with goals from Raúl de Tomás, Óscar Trejo, Sergi Guardiola, and Etienne Eto’o.
Their recent performances highlight a strong defense, as they’ve conceded just three goals over their last six matches. Additionally, they remain unbeaten in their last four home league games.
UD Las Palmas, on the other hand, aims to bounce back after a 2-0 loss to Atlético Madrid in La Liga.
Despite holding 42% possession, they managed only one shot on target, with Atlético’s Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sørloth finding the net. Las Palmas’ recent games have been goal-filled, with a total of 20 goals across their last six matches, though they’ve allowed eight goals in that span.
Looking at their head-to-head record since December 2019, Rayo Vallecano has won twice, Las Palmas once, and three matches ended in draws.
Across these encounters, a total of 13 goals have been scored, averaging 2.17 per game. In their last meeting, Las Palmas won 2-0, with Alberto Moleiro and Javi Muñoz scoring.
For team news, Rayo Vallecano manager Iñigo Pérez has just one player out due to injury, with Alfonso Espino sidelined by a broken fibula.
They may field a 4-4-2 lineup featuring Augusto Batalla, Andrei Florin Rațiu, Khalid Abdul Mumin, Florian Lejeune, Pep Chavarría, Jorge de Frutos, Óscar Valentín, Unai López Cabrera, Á. García Rivera, Isi Palazón, and Sergio Camello.
UD Las Palmas is expected to go with a 4-5-1 formation, likely starting Dinko Horkaš, V. Álvarez Rozada, Alex Suárez, Scott McKenna, Álex Muñoz, Sandro Ramirez, José Campaña, Kirian Rodríguez, Dario Essugo, Alberto Moleiro, and Fábio Silva.
Prediction
Rayo Vallecano will create multiple scoring opportunities and could secure a 2-0 win, as Las Palmas may struggle to break through their defense. The match is expected to stay under 3.5 goals.
