La Liga is back following the international break with a full weekend fixture list. Rayo Vallecano are in action at the Estadio de Vallecas against Athletic Club on Saturday, with both sides currently in mid-table.

Rayo Vallecano make long-awaited return to Vallecas

Having played their opening home games at the Estadio Butarque, Rayo Vallecano finally have permission to return to their regular stadium. Safety concerns forced Los Franjirrojos to start the campaign in Leganés, but Beñat San José’s side still managed to pick up two victories there.

Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla is the most notable injury absentee for the hosts, with recent signing Emil Audero set to fill in again. Luiz Felipe remains a doubt with a long-running hamstring issue.

Rayo should have all of their attacking players available. Sergio Camello has done most of the damage so far for the Madrid club. The 25-year-old has netted seven times in seven league outings.

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Athletic Club (4-2-3-1): Audero; Rațiu, Sadick, Lejeune, Pedrosa; Ciss, U. López; De Frutos, Isi, Á. García; Camello.

Fresh Nico blow hits Athletic Club

Athletic Club are set for another spell without their star player Nico Williams. The Spain international has endured an injury-ravaged 18 months and is not expected to be fit until the end of October.

Otherwise, Edin Terzić now has more options. Dani Vivian, Gorka Guruzeta and Peio Canales are all available following injuries, and Yuri Berchiche and Oihan Sancet are expected to be fit enough to start, despite minor issues this week.

Only Robert Navarro has netted more than once so far this term for Los Leones. The winger has scored twice in five appearances, and he’s averaging 1.8 shots per game.

Athletic Club predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Simón; Areso, Yeray, Laporte, Yuri; Gerenabarrena, Ruiz de Galarreta; Navarro, Sancet, Berenguer; I. Williams.

Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Club Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Rayo Vallecano to score over 0.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.31 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Athletic Club
  • 22Bet Booking Code: N2VAC

Key stats:

  • Both teams have scored in all seven Rayo Vallecano matches this term.
  • Los Franjirrojos are averaging two goals per game in home fixtures.
  • Three of the previous four meetings between these clubs have served up goals at each end.

Camello’s form suggests the home team are a safe pick to score at least once in this contest. The Rayo striker has only failed to net in one of his previous six appearances, while Álvaro García is also looking sharp on the left flank. The 33-year-old has registered two goals and two assists in seven outings this term.

Returning to Vallecas will help to generate a better atmosphere, given recent Rayo home fixtures have attracted few fans. That should boost San José’s team against an inconsistent Athletic outfit that have only won twice in six league outings.

Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Club Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Draw
  • Odds: 3.38 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: CMUAC

The visitors have been left frustrated in their last two matches, with Elche and Alavés both picking up draws in Bilbao. They had 24 shots last time out without scoring.

Without a convincing number nine, Athletic aren’t a clinical side and backing a draw is the value pick here at odds of 3.38. That has been a winning bet in three of the previous six meetings in Madrid.

Verdict: Rayo Vallecano to score over 0.5 goals (1.31) — Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Athletic Club