La Liga leaders Real Madrid will travel to face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday at 18:30 GMT as they seek to maintain their five-match unbeaten run since they last suffered defeat in La Liga at the hands of Getafe.
Match Preview
Can Madrid Extend their Unbeaten Run to Six La Liga Matches?
Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be looking to take three points and maintain their status as league leaders and favourites for the championship as the run-in begins.
Real Madrid are unbeaten in five matches since the 1-0 reverse against Getafe. They will be aware of the danger that Rayo Vallecano poses.
However, given the current form of the two teams, Real Madrid will be the overwhelming favourites to take all the three points and continue on their way towards the title.
Can Rayo Vallecano End their Four-Match Losing Run in La Liga
Rayo Vallecano are badly out of form. They have lost their last four matches in La Liga. They are in the middle of a run of six matches where they have scored only two goals, lost five matches, and drew once, hailing one point and dropping 17.
On Saturday, they will welcome the league leaders Real Madrid, and their aim will be to stop their losing run of four consecutive La Liga matches.
This will be a tall order for Vallecano given Madrid are chasing the title, and would want to stretch their unbeaten run in La Liga to six matches.
Form Guide
Rayo Vallecano
In the last six rounds of La Liga fixtures, Rayo Vallecano have had one draw and five losses. In this run, they have scored two goals and conceded 11.
This horrible run has netted them one point out of the available 18, which is the joint worst run of form in La Liga during this period alongside Granada.
Vallecano’s early season form means that they currently sit 11th on the La Liga table, and they are 11 points away from safety. The current run of form needs to be arrested promptly to prevent Rayo Vallecano from slipping into a relegation fight.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have stuttered in recent weeks. They have only collected 11 points from the last six rounds of outings in La Liga. This run comprises three wins, two draws, and one loss.
Carlo Ancelotti’s worry at this point will be that the current run of form and inconsistency in result might turn the current procession into a dog-fight for the title.
Los Blancos currently lead the table by six points, ahead of Sevilla in second, and a further 11 points ahead of third-placed Real Betis. The advantage for Madrid is that this inconsistent run has not been punished by Sevilla who are in an inconsistent run of their own.
Team News
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano will be without left winger Martin Merquelanz; the 26-year-old is recovering from a knee injury and will be unavailable for the Real Madrid clash on Saturday.
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti will be without defensive midfielder Casemiro who is serving out his yellow card suspension. The 30-year-old forms a crucial part of the midfield three for Real Madrid, and will be missed. Left-back Ferland Mendy is also suspended for yellow cards.
Carlo Ancelotti will have to plan his squad to accommodate the gaps left by these two first team players and optimise the chances of Los Blancos getting the three points.
Possible Starting Lineups
Rayo Vallecano
Zidane; F. Garcia, A. Catena Marugan, E. Saveljich, I. Balliu; O. V. Martin Luengo, S. Comesana; A. Garcia, O. Trejo, I. Palazon; S. Guardiola
Real Madrid
Courtois; D. Carvajal, E. Militao, D. Alaba, F. Mendy; F. Valverde, T. Kroos, L. Modric; M. Asensio, K. Benzema, V. Junior
Players to Watch
A. Catena Marugan
The defender will be crucial in keeping Real Madrid’s attack at bay when Rayo Vallecano welcome the league leaders on Saturday.
Rayo Vallecano are struggling to score goals in La Liga right now; this means that a robust defensive display will be crucial in enhancing their chances of taking points off of Madrid.
V. Junior
Junior has matured into a talisman for Real Madrid. He will be crucial in breaking down Vallecano, who will approach the match cautiously.
Prediction
Expect Vallecano to play defensively and conservatively, with the priority being preventing Madrid from scoring.
Los Blancos will take charge of the game through possession and pressing.
Real Madrid are favoured to win all three points on Saturday.
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