- Date and Time: December 18, 21:30 GMT+1
- Venue: Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal, Spain.
Villarreal
Villarreal’s 2-1 defeat to Real Betis, despite Chimy Ávila’s red card, significantly reduces Marcelino’s chances of reaching the top four. His team has been winless in the last five games, including an elimination in the Copa Del Rey to Pontevedra (1-0). The Yellow Submarine often struggles in the King’s Cup, crashing against amateur sides despite fielding regular XIs.
While the beginning of the season indicated that Villarreal were fighting for a top-four spot, their mistakes and the strengths of other competitors led them to sixth place.
The 2-0 defeat against Athletic Club was key to the team’s failure to remain in the top four, demonstrating that the Basques rightfully own the fourth spot.
MARCELINO: We can’t concede so many goals#VillarrealRealBetis
— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) December 15, 2024
The Yellow Submarine have been careless at the back, unnecessarily dropping points despite scoring (2-2 vs Girona and Osasuna). Villarreal scored 28 goals but conceded 27, showcasing the team’s defensive shortcomings. No team has conceded more than 22 goals in the top 10.
Villarreal will face Rayo Vallecano on December 18th and Leganés four days later. Ilias Akhomach and Nicolas Pépé will be sidelined.
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano are often unpredictable. They’re one of the most intense teams on the field, as they continually run up and down the pitch throughout matches. However, they struggle to replicate their form off home soil, producing binary results.
Additionally, if they don’t get the tempo right, their lack of rest defence is often punished by organized teams.
🎉 ¡QUÉ FIESTA LA DE ANOCHE! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/79ldHlgLe6
— Rayo Vallecano (@RayoVallecano) December 15, 2024
They drew this weekend to Real Madrid (3-3) in a game they started leading, but the lack of defensive detail in match preparation led to Real Madrid’s comeback. Although the score says otherwise, it felt like a Rayo Vallecano victory, as Vallecas acted as the 12th player for the team. At the same time, the Red Sashes lost to Las Palmas (1-3) and Sevilla (1-0).
However, they will face a team that cannot defend either, as Rayo Vallecano conceded about 18 goals —27 in Villarreal’s case.
Bet hereVillarreal vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction
- Prediction: Draw
- Odds: 3.9 (22Bet)
- Score Prediction: Villarreal 2-2 Rayo Vallecano
While it’s tempting to bet on a Rayo Vallecano victory after an inspiring 3-3 draw to Real Madrid in Vallecas, it’s worth mentioning that the pitch dimensions explain why Rayo are more successful at home. The pitch in Vallecas is smaller, which disorientates guest teams. In Villarreal, the situation is different, especially as Marcelino’s team urgently needs a victory after five games without one.
Despite the Yellow Submarine’s poor form, their attacking metrics indicate they will likely score against the Red Sashes. It’s true that the absence of Ilias and Nicolas is a blow, but Ayoze’s return gives Villarreal hope.
Álex Baena was the team’s only scorer in the defeat against Real Betis, which means his partnership with Dani Parejo could prove to be key in defeating Rayo Vallecano.
Villareal vs Rayo Vallecano Betting Tip
- Pick: Álex Baena to score
- Odds: TBC (22Bet)
When the defence can’t keep up, Villarreal relies on Baena’s genius to create opportunities in challenging situations. In 14 games, Baena scored four goals and assisted five, with his crosses often leading to Ayoze finding the goal in the box.
Rayo Vallecano are frequently left defenceless after counter-attacking, which is the ideal situation for Dani Parejo to send his long balls to the forwards. As the creative leader of the team, Baena is responsible for finding the breakthrough. Marcelino and the Yellow Submarine need it more than ever.
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