Sat Oct 05 18:02:42 UTC 2024: ## Real Valladolid Host Rayo Vallecano in Crucial La Liga Clash

**Valladolid, Spain -** Real Valladolid will be looking to end a two-game losing streak when they host Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla on Saturday evening. The home side sits in 19th place with a paltry five points, while Rayo occupies a respectable ninth position with 10 points.

Valladolid has struggled defensively, conceding a league-high 17 goals, while their attack has also been lackluster, scoring only four times. Their recent form is characterized by a 7-0 drubbing by Barcelona and narrow losses to Sevilla and Mallorca.

Rayo, on the other hand, is unbeaten in their last three matches, drawing against Atletico Madrid, Girona, and Leganes. Their recent resurgence follows a 2-1 defeat to Espanyol, and they have generally enjoyed a strong start to the season.

Valladolid will be without Cenk Ozkacar, Javi Sanchez, and Anuar Tuhami due to injury. Ivan Sanchez, who came on as a substitute to score against Mallorca, is expected to start. Rayo will be missing Pep Chavarria, Alfonso Espino, and Diego Mendez, but otherwise, their squad is healthy.

The two sides have a recent history of close encounters, with Rayo winning the corresponding fixture last season 1-0. Given Valladolid’s current struggles, the odds are slightly tilted in favor of Rayo securing another victory.

**Predicted Starting Lineups:**

**Real Valladolid:** Hein; Perez, Bah, Torres, Rosa; Martin, Comert, Perez; Moro, Latasa, Sanchez

**Rayo Vallecano:** Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Balliu; U Lopez, Ciss; De Frutos, Rodriguez, A Garcia; Camello

**Prediction:** Rayo Vallecano to win 1-0.

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