Prediction La Liga - Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano

La Liga - Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano
Match Time: 29-04-2024 00:30 Monday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Villarreal

Villarreal finished fifth in Spain's top flight last season and have only been lower than seventh on one occasion at the end of a La Liga campaign since gaining promotion back to this level in 2013.

The Yellow Submarine have found it difficult to show their best form this term, though, and they are currently ninth in the table, boasting a record of 11 wins, nine draws and 12 defeats from their 32 matches this season to collect 42 points.

Marcelino's side are nine points behind sixth-placed Real Sociedad in the race to qualify for the Europa League, but they are only six points behind seventh-placed Real Betis, so a spot in the Conference League playoff round for next season is certainly within reach.

Villarreal have only lost once in Spain's top flight since January 13, and they will enter this match off the back of a 2-1 victory over basement side Almeria last weekend.

The Yellow Submarine's home form this season has been disappointing, though, only picking up 19 points from their 16 fixtures in front of their own fans, suffering seven defeats in the process.

Rayo Vallecano

Rayo actually have the third-worst home record in La Liga this season, but they have been relatively solid on their travels, boasting a record of four wins, five draws and seven losses from 16 matches.

The capital outfit are in good form, winning two and drawing two of their last four league matches, including a 2-1 success over Osasuna last time out, with their recent run easing their relegation fears.

Inigo Perez's side are not yet safe, though, as they sit 15th in the table on 34 points, nine points clear of the relegation zone with six games left, so there is still a scenario which could see them pulled into trouble.

Rayo, who are in their third straight campaign at this level, will bring a three-game unbeaten run against Villarreal into this match, including a 1-0 success in the corresponding fixture between the two sides last season.

The points were shared in a 1-1 draw when they locked horns in Madrid last September, though, and Villarreal have won three of their last six meetings in Spain's top flight.

Prediction: Villarreal 2-1 Rayo Vallecano