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Villarreal vs. Rayo Vallecano: Spanish Championship Match Prediction
Villarreal will play in the 12th round of La Liga on December 18 at the Estadio de la Ceramica. Last season, the Yellow Submarine did not lose to today opponent. Will the hosts be able to put up a fight against the tough Rayo Vallecano? Our experts have assessed the teams' chances and prepared the best bets for this game.
Command Analysis
Villarreal
SpainCurrent form
Villarreal continue to gain momentum in La Liga and have successfully used the pauses to stabilize their game. In the last match against Betis, the team again showed character and attacking potential, snatching an important 2-1 victory. Under Marcelino, the Yellow Submarine has shown confident football at home, where they have won three of their last four matches.
Resilience in the final stages of matches remains a strong point for Villarreal, making them a dangerous opponent at any stage of the match. However, injuries to key players continue to worry the coaching staff, which could affect the depth of the squad. In the upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano, the team will try to exploit the weak points in the visitors' defense and consolidate their position at the top of the table.
Disqualifications and injuries
Juan Foyth (knee injury), Gerard Moreno (muscle injury) and Alberto Moreno (muscle injury) will not take part in the match. Sergio Aceojo has returned to the group but is likely to start the match on the bench. Capoue (fitness problems) remains in doubt.
Interesting trends for betting
- Villarreal have won three of their last four home games in La Liga
- In the last five head-to-head meetings between these teams, more than 2.5 goals have been scored three times
- The Yellow Submarine have not lost at home in La Liga since September this year
Estimated lineup: Alcoado - Kiko Femenia, Bahia, Albiol, Cardona - Parejo, Terrats, Comesaña - Baena, Pino, Danjuma
Rayo Vallecano
SpainCurrent form
Rayo Vallecano continues to impress with its stability this season, staying in the middle of the La Liga table. The team demonstrates an organized game and puts emphasis on counterattacks, which allowed them to gain important points in the last rounds. However, Rayo has not been able to win for three matches in a row, limiting themselves to draws.
In the last game against Almeria (0:0) the team looked convincing in defense, but the lack of sharpness in attacking actions did not allow them to achieve the maximum result. On the road, Rayo plays pragmatically, but often has difficulties against more experienced and dominant opponents, which could be a problem in the confrontation with Villarreal.
Disqualifications and injuries
Rayo Vallecano coach Francisco Rodriguez faces personnel issues ahead of the match. De Frutos (thigh injury), Aridane Hernandez (knee injury) and Palomino (muscle injury) will miss the game. Falcao, who is recovering from a minor injury, is still in doubt.
Interesting trends for betting
- Rayo Vallecano are unbeaten in four of their last five La Liga away games
- Rayo have scored fewer than 2.5 goals in eight of their last ten games
- The team has scored at least one goal in six of its last seven away matches against Villarreal
Probable lineup: Dimitrievski - Ballew, Lejeun, Catena, Espino - Valentin, Trejo, Lopez - Alvaro Garcia, Camello, Issy Palazon
Trends
Bet Exact score 2:0
Four of the last six head-to-head matches have seen this score
6.50Bet Goals in both halves – yes
In 3 of Villarreal last 5 matches, goals were scored in both halves
1.82Bet Corners: total over 9.5
In 3 of the last 5 matches of the hosts such a bet took place
1.90Bet Number 0 in the score
In three of the last six matches this bet has played out
1.65Tip and bets
Both teams approach the match with caution, given their current form and personnel losses. Villarreal, although effective at the end of matches, has difficulty overcoming the organized defense of opponents, and Rayo Vallecano is known for its pragmatic and disciplined play on the road. In eight of the last ten matches with the participation of the visitors, fewer than three goals were scored, and the hosts, despite the attacking potential, do not always demonstrate high implementation of moments. We expect closed and cautious football with a minimum number of scoring chances.
Our prediction is under 2.5 goals for 1.95
Bet on the outcome
Villarreal have been consistent at home, winning three of their last four La Liga home games. Marcelino men are particularly dangerous in the closing stages, where they regularly find opportunities to score. Rayo Vallecano often lose concentration against better opponents, especially away from home, where they have not won in their last three games. With the support of their home crowd and in good form, the Yellow Submarine is capable of winning by a comfortable margin.
Forecast - Asian handicap (-1) on Villarreal and we bet on it for 3.60
Bet on corners
Both teams like to use flank attacks and crosses into the penalty area, which leads to many corners. Villarreal often wins 6+ corners in home games, controlling the game and pressing the opponents in defense. Rayo, being in the role of catching up, also resorts to crosses and active set pieces.
Forecast - total corners over 9.5 for 1.90
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