Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction: Betting Preview

Matthew O’Regan has his Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano prediction, team news, lineups, and fixtures preview. The Madrid-based visitors travel to Seville, knowing a win can take them one point off their hosts in La Liga. While it should be a low-scoring affair, Real Betis’ talisman presents value.

Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction: Goals for Giovani

Spain, La Liga, Sunday, December 22nd, 20:00 (UK)

Real Betis currently sit ninth in the league, three points off fifth place Mallorca. Led by the trustee hands of veteran manager Manuel Pellegrini, Los Verdiblancos are also playing in the Europa Conference League, and this is the aim again. 

With just seven points in five European games, Betis may need to rely on their league form to qualify for the competition yet again. Pellegrini’s side have been strong at home, losing just once as they’ve picked up 15 points in eight games. However, on their travels, they have accumulated just nine points. 

The visitors to the Estadio Benito Villamarin are 13th-placed Rayo Vallecano, who are four points off their hosts. Managed by the exciting Inigo Perez, Los Franjirrojos have had a steady start and have already claimed big home draws with same-city rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. 

The 36-year-old manager has his side defensively resolute. Only Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad and Getafe have conceded fewer than their 19, while only the bottom three, Getafe, Leganes and Real Sociedad scoring fewer. 

With the sides averaging 2.4 and 2.3 goals per game, respectively, it is not a match that screams goals. However, the host’s main man looks value to add to his hot streak. 

Giovani Lo Celso is not a player renowned for his goalscoring. His highest scoring season came in 2018/2019 in his only other season with Real Betis. Aside from this, the most he had scored was six for PSG. 

This year, he is reinvigorated, scoring eight goals in just 13 appearances thus far. Pellegrini has Lo Celso playing just off the striker, presenting the Argentine with better goalscoring chances in dangerous areas. The 28-year-old is averaging 2.54 shots and 1.50 shots per 90 in La Liga. With seven goals in eight starts, Lo Celso is averaging 0.81 goals per 90, scoring in his last two La Liga games against Villareal and Barcelona. Of his seven league goals, five have been at home. 

The Argentine is also trusted with penalties, giving him the opportunity to make it nine goals for the season.

• Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction 1: Giovani Lo Celso To Score (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 3.75
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10 (TRACKED BET)

Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction odds via bet365 as at 18:00, December 17th , 2024. Odds may now differ.

Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Injury Issues for Betis

Real Betis head into this game in the midst of a mini injury crisis. Hector Bellerin, Marc Roca, Pablo Fornals, Rui Silva and William Carvalhio are injured, while Ezequiel Avila is suspended. Rayo Vallecano have been quite fortunate in the injury department, with Pelayo Fernandez and Raul De Tomas the only absentees. 

Real Betis possible starting lineup:
Vieitas; Sabaly, Barta, Llorente, Perraud; Altamira, Cardoso; Ezzalzouli, Lo Celso, Diao; Roque

Rayo Vallecano possible starting lineup:
Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria; Ciss, Valentin; Garcia, Palazon, De Frutos; Camello

Match Stats

• Of the last 21 meetings between these two sides, Real Betis have won eight, drawn six and lost seven.
• Giovanni Lo Celso is two goals away from matching his best ever goal tally in the league.
• 5/8 Rayo Vallecano away games have seen under 2.5 goals in La Liga.

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