LiontipsRayo Vallecano vs. Athletic. Prediction (odds 3.60) and bets on the match of the Spanish championship
Command Analysis
Current form
Having lost three of their last four La Liga games, including two straight defeats that culminated in a 1-0 loss to Sevilla last weekend, Rayo Vallecano will be aware of the importance of getting their season back on track. Despite their poor home form, they sit comfortably in mid-table heading into matchday, six points above the relegation zone and six points further from the top six. However, it should be noted that this is the giants’ worst start to a 14-game top-flight campaign since 2018/19, when they were relegated to the Segunda.
Disqualifications and injuries
Espino will not be able to take part in the fight today (foot injury).
Interesting trends for betting
- Sergio Camello has often been a key player for Rayo as they have not lost when he has scored since January 2023 and he also provided an assist the last time Rayo scored in a second-round match.
- Rayo Vallecano have conceded in eight of their last nine home games
- Only Real Madrid have conceded fewer first-half goals (1) than Rayo Vallecano (2) in La Liga this season
Probable line-up: Cardenas - Lejeune, Ratiu, Mumin, Chevaria - Ciss, Lopez, Embarba, Trejo - Nteko.
Current form
Athletic Bilbao thrashed Elfsborg 3-0 in the UEFA Europa League in midweek, part of a run in which the Basque club have lost just one of their last 15 matches in all competitions. Despite boasting the attacking talents of the Williams brothers, Bilbao have actually impressed at the back, most recently beating fellow countrymen Real Sociedad 1-0 in La Liga last weekend. And having not conceded more than one goal in any of their last eight away games, the Lions continue to enjoy the good times, welcoming back Euro 2024 winner Unai Simon against Sweden.
Injuries and disqualifications
Simon (wrist injury), Sunset (hip injury) and Berenguer (injury) will be out.
Interesting trends for betting
- Nico Williams is a threat for Athletic having provided assists in three consecutive games for club and country and scored in both games last season.
- Athletic have an outstanding record of just one defeat in their last 23 home games
- The Basque club have not suffered a defeat in La Liga at home for more than 12 months
Estimated lineup: Padilla - Rincon, Egueluz, Lecue, Boiro - Herrera, Canales, Olabar, Gomez - Javier, Williams.
Trends
Bet Goals in both halves – yes
In the last three head-to-head matches, goals were scored in both halves
1.93Bet Exact score 1:2
The hosts have finished two of their last ten head-to-head matches with this score
8.55Bet Corners: Total Under 9.5
This betting option took place in 2 of the last 4 away matches
1.74Bet Number 1 in the score
This bet took place in the last four matches of the guests
1.69Tip and bets
Meetings between rivals rarely please with an abundance of attacks and scoring chances - the result is important, and maximum concentration in this duel can be the key to success. The guests are good at creation, while the "giants" have a terrible statistics of goals conceded at their home arena, which can ultimately end with an abundance of dangerous moments. We expect a high percentage of implementation - in two of the last four face-to-face matches, less than four goals were scored.
Our forecast is total over 2.5 goals and we bet on it with odds of 2.68
Bet on the outcome
The matches at this arena are always difficult for any team. The hosts are looking good so far, but the visitors are extremely focused and will fight for any tournament points. We believe that the visitors have a better chance today – the Basques are in excellent shape, while having minimal losses, which will ultimately give them the opportunity to take full control of the game.
The forecast is a victory for Athletic and we bet on it with a coefficient of 2.63
Bet on a penalty
Most likely, the main events will take place away from the goal, which will ultimately bring maximum tension to the center. In addition, the class of the defensive players will allow them to play in their penalty area without fatal errors.
Forecast - penalty (no). This option can be found for 1.22
