Valencia vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 12/05/2024, 03:57  by Joseph King in LaLiga Predictions

Matchday 35 in the Spanish LaLiga sees eighth-place Valencia looking to close the gap on a European qualification spot as they host 16th-placed Rayo Vallecano. The home side come into this fixture trailing seventh-place Real Betis, and a spot in the Conference League, by five points with four matches remaining. It’s been a streaky season for Los Ches who are currently on a downward trend after losing their last three consecutive matches. After losses to Betis and Barcelona, Valencia were unable to bounce back at home against Alaves, ultimately slumping to a 1-0 defeat. The hosts were previously on an 11-match home unbeaten run in the league, but have now lost their last two straight at the Mestalla. The optimistic angle can focus on Valencia’s rock-solid defensive record when playing on home soil. Ruben Baraja’s side have conceded just 11 goals in 17 home fixtures, the second fewest in LaLiga.

Rayo Vallecano are likely safe from the drop to the Segunda Division but they can confirm their top flight status for sure with a win. They lead 18th-place Cadiz by eight points in the standings with just four matches remaining, meaning a win here coupled with a Cadiz loss would see the Red Sashes guaranteed survival. The visitors come into this matchup off the back of two consecutive defeats, the most recent of which finished in a 1-0 home loss to bottom-feeders Almeria. It was a concerning defeat for Rayo as it marked only the second victory in the league season for an Almeria side which has already been relegated. Rayo will now have to try to bounce back on the road where they have really struggled to get on the score sheet. They’ll arrive at the Mestalla having netted just 11 times in 17 away trips.