Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

The hosts could end up claiming a Champions League spot by the end of the season.

Villarreal CF are set to host Rayo Vallecano next in LaLiga 2024-25. This will be the 17th fixture in the Spanish top division for both sides. It’s almost halfway into the league, but the stakes hailed are significantly different for both teams. While the hosts are trying to get into the top four, the visitors will aim to get higher in the mid-table sector, distant from the relegation zone.

Villarreal CF lost their last game to Real Betis, which they also played at home. Otherwise, they are having an impressive stint, currently sitting at the sixth spot of the points table, with 26 points from 16 games. They have played two games less than fifth-placed Mallorca, who have 27 points.

⚡️ ¡FINAL DE UN PARTIDAZO EN VALLECAS!⚡️⚽️ Unai López (3'), Mumin (35'), Valverde (38'), Bellingham (44'), Rodrygo (55') e Isi (63') autores de los goles.#RayoRealMadrid #VamosRayo pic.twitter.com/t1TCaZOhfd

— Rayo Vallecano (@RayoVallecano) December 14, 2024

Rayo Vallecano are also trying to compete hard in the league. The side have 20 points from 16 games, currently standing at the 13 spot. It might appear tough to win against a tough side like Villareal, that too in an away game, but they should take the challenge, having already made Real Madrid to share the spoils in a 3-3 thriller.

Kick-Off:

Thursday, December 19 at 02:00 AM IST

Location: El Madrigal, Villarreal.

Form

Villarreal CF (in all competitions): L-L-L-D-D

Rayo Vallecano (in all competitions): D-W-W-L-L

Players to Watch:

Álex Baena (Villarreal CF)

The left-winger has been one of the key reasons for Villarreal CF to do so well this season. In 15 league games he has appeared in, the player has four goals and five assists. He has been consistent with the scoring and has struck three goals in the last four LaLiga games.

¡Cuarta diana de @alexbbaena que nos hace creer en la remontada!#VillarrealRealBetis | #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/oepypBO834

— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) December 15, 2024

The 23-year-old has a lot of pace and skills in him. His consistency has made him one of the most valuable players in the squad too. Against Rayo Vallecano, this might be his chance to strike a few more goals and increase his tally. 

Pep Chavarría (Rayo Vallecano)

The left-back was perfect in the game against Real Madrid, having made three good tackles, one foul, and 25 clever passes. After being in and out of the team for some time, he is a regular now. In the past six games, he has started in all and served full minutes in five of those.

He will have a lot of responsibilities in this game, especially stopping Baena along with the two opposition forwards Perez and Moreno.

Match Facts:

• Both sides have drawn five of their games in LaLiga 2024-25.
• Villarreal CF have won only one of their last four games against Rayo Vallecano. 
• Both sides have won only one of their last five league games.

Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Villarreal CF to win this game- 19/25 via Dafabet
• Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals – 21/10 via Stake
• Tip 3: Both teams to score – 17/20 via MostBet

Injury & Team News

Villarreal CF have two injuries concerning them: Ilias Akhomach and Nicolas Pepe, both right wingers.

Rayo Vallecano are also expected to be without two of their players for some time: Pelayo and Raul De Tomas.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 17

Villarreal CF wins – 11

Rayo Vallecano wins – 4

Draws – 2

Predicted Lineup

Villarreal CF predicted line-up (4-4-2)

Conde (GK); Femenia, Bailly, Albiol, Cardona; Pino, Parejo, Gueye, Baena; Perez, Moreno

Rayo Vallecano predicted line-up (4-2-3-1)

Batalla (GK); Ratiu, Mumin, Lejeune,Chavarria; Ciss, Valentin; Frutos, Palazon, Garcia; Camello

Match Prediction for Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano

Villarreal CF are expected to win this game as they have home support by their side, besides a better squad and a higher position in the points table. The hosts also hail the past records in their favour. However, Rayo Vallecano are expected to give a fight, given the high morale they have after the Real Madrid game. 

Prediction: Villarreal CF 3-1 Rayo Vallecano

Telecast for Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano

India: GXR World

UK: Premier Sports and ITV

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: SuperSport

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