There will be interesting action in La Liga on Monday evening, as relegation-threatened Valencia plays host to Rayo Vallecano. Valencia will be looking for a third win in five, while the visitors will be looking for a return to winning ways to edge closer toward the European spots.
La Liga Preview
It has been a worrying season for Valencia, but there is still 12 games remaining to save themselves from relegation. The Spanish giants currently sit 18th in the standings, but are just one point from safety. Their form has improved slightly over their last four, as they have picked up two wins. However, their recent defeat before the international break was their 14th loss of the season, meaning that only rock-bottom Elche has lost more regularly this term.
Valencia’s most recent loss was a 3-0 defeat on the road against Atletico Madrid. They only registered a single shot on target in that defeat, but this does appear to be a slightly easier challenge on paper. Their home form has been decent in terms of the teams in relegation danger this season, as they have won six of the 13 matches that they have played at the Mestalla.
Rayo Vallecano are the visitors this weekend, as they look to get back on track and enhance their chances of a European finish this term. They currently sit eighth in the standings, but they have gone five without a victory. Over that period, they have suffered two defeats, with three matches ending in draws.
However, they will need to get back into the win column if they are to finish in the top six this term, as they are already five points off the top six places. In their previous match, they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Girona.
Valencia vs Rayo Vallecano Head to Head
Vallecano boasts a fine recent record in this fixture, as they are unbeaten in their previous four against Valencia. They have picked up two wins over that period, including a 2-1 success in the reverse fixture between the sides in September. However, they are without an away win against Valencia since December 2012.
Valencia vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction
This is a massive fixture for Valencia, as they have a golden opportunity against an out-of-form rival. However, the head-to-head record could be a trend worth following, and we will side with a victory for Vallecano on Monday.
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