Espanyol vs Rayo Vallecano betting tips: La Liga preview and predictions

Espanyol vs Rayo Vallecano betting tips: La Liga preview, predictions and odds

Updated: July 25, 2022 at 9:21 pm GMT+1

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Rayo Vallecano have won their last three meetings with Espanyol, including a 3-2 Segunda División victory in Catalonia last season. However, Rayo are winless in 13 La Liga games, half way to Levante's top-flight record set earlier this season.

Under 2.5 goals is 8/13.

Under 2.5 goals and both teams to score NO is 1/1.

Espanyol to win and both teams to score NO is 11/4.

Raúl de Tomás is 15/4 to break the deadlock and 13/10 to scored at home to Rayo in back-to-back seasons.

Match preview

Rayo Vallecano v Girona FC - La Liga Smartbank Playoff Final 1st Leg MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 13: Isaac Palazon of Rayo Vallecano celebrates with team mates after scoring their side's first goal during the La Liga Playoff Final 1st Leg match between Rayo Vallecano and Girona FC at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas on June 13, 2021 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Two newly-promoted clubs, both on course for safety, go head-to-head in Cornellà de Llobregat.

RCD Espanyol came up as Segunda División champions, following their shock relegation in 2020, and have been comfortably mid-table all season.

On Sunday, Vicente Moreno's side looked like earning an impressive point away to Atlético Madrid when Raúl de Tomás equalised in the capital.

However, deep into stoppage time, Atleti were awarded a penalty, for a dubious handball, which was duly dispatched in the 99th minute.

Déjà vu because, back in September, Atlético had also beat Espanyol 2-1 in Catalonia, once again scoring nine minutes into additional time.

This defeat means Espanyol haven't won on the road since New Years' Eve, but have claimed all three points from their last three home matches.

Can they extend that streak to four with a victory here?

Rayo Vallecano meanwhile sat in a Champions League place on Christmas Day, but still haven't won in La Liga in 2022.

Los Franjirrojos were beaten again on Saturday, going down 1-0 at Mendizorrotza against bottom of the table Alavés.

So, since the turn of the year, Andoni Iraola's side have lost nine of 13 matches, drawing the other four.

This means los Vallecanos are now 14th, five points above the drop zone, needing to, belatedly, find a win from somewhere to guarantee safety.

Everything points towards a home win at RCDE Stadium.

Espanyol team news

Espanyol v Levante - La Liga BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 13: RCD Espanyol supporters cheer on their team during the La Liga match between Espanyol and Levante at Cornella-El Prat stadium on October 13, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Raúl de Tomás scored his 15th La Liga goal of the season last weekend, meaning he's netted 41% of Espanyol's goals.

Right-wing-back Óscar Gil went off at half time on Sunday so Aleix Vidal could deputise for him.

Wǔ Lěi scored a last-minute winner in Espanyol's last home game so will be hoping to start this one.

Rayo Vallecano team news

Rayo Vallecano v CA Osasuna - La Liga Santander MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 12: Radamel Falcao of Rayo Vallecano de Madrid in action during the LaLiga Santander match between Rayo Vallecano and CA Osasuna at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas on February 12, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Radamel Falcao has scored twice against Espanyol in his career but won't be adding to that as he's not played since 26 February due to injury.

Sergi Guardiola will continue as the lone front man in his absence.

Iván Balliu is suspended, following his red card on Saturday, so Mario Hernández will come in at right-back.

La Liga table:

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