Verdict: Ademola Lookman over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Searching for an immediate response on Sunday afternoon, Atletico Madrid will travel across the Spanish capital when they meet local rivals Rayo Vallecano.
Rayo Vallecano
Starting with the hosts, springing a famous upset last season as they clinched an eighth-place finish among Spain’s elite, Rayo Vallecano have come crashing back down to earth in an infamous fashion. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat firmly in the drop zone, the Little Thunderbolts have a major job on his hands in the race to maintain their La Liga status over the coming months. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Spanish icons and local rivals Real Madrid last time out as they fell to a 2-1 loss, Inigo Perez’s men find themselves at the heart of what has become a public crisis. Signing off January with a 3-1 drumming at home against Osasuna, Vallecano have lost their previous four domestic appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 10-2.
Rayo Vallecano Team News
Both shown their own respective late red cards away at Real Madrid last week, Rayo Vallecano will be unable to call upon the suspended duo of Pep Chavarria and Senegal international Pathe Ciss. Suffering an injury setback earlier in the month, one-time Athletic Bilbao midfielder Unai Lopez remains a doubt.
With Perez forced to make a handful of alterations this weekend, ex-Sporting Gijon youngster Pedro Diaz should be handed a full recall. Bagging a consolation strike against Los Blancos last week and notching a seventh La Liga strike of the season, Jorge de Frutos will shoulder plenty of Vallecano’s attacking threat.
Atletico Madrid
As for the visitors, making a sensational immediate return to winning ways earlier in the week, Atletico Madrid will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Storming their way to the final of this season’s Copa del Rey as they secured a remarkable 4-0 romp at home against reigning Spanish champions and historic rivals Barcelona, Diego SImeone’s men will now have their sights set on claiming local bragging rights here. Landing an action-packed 3-2 victory when they welcomed Rayo Vallecano to the Metropolitano for their reverse La Liga battle on September 24th, Atletico do hold a dominant record against Sunday’s hosts. Including a stellar 7-0 romp when they travelled to the Estadio de Vallecas back in August 2023, they have registered 16 points from their previous six La Liga meetings.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Still dealing with a recent muscle issue, Atletico Madrid are expected to be without academy graduate Pablo Barrios this weekend. Stomring their way to that stunning 4-0 Copa del Rey victory against Barca on Thursday, Simeone could be tempted to name an unchanged starting XI.
Once again getting on the scoresheet in midweek and making an immediate impact since completing a January switch from Atalanta, Ademola Lookman should keep his spot from the start. Despite failing to notch a La Liga strike since the start of November, ex-Manchester City star Julian Alvarez will spearhead Atletico’s attack.
Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid Key Factors to Consider
- When Rayo Vallecano and Atletico Madrid met for their reverse La Liga meeting on September 24th, Sunday’s guests claimed a frantic 3-2 victory at the Metropolitano.
- Atletico have registered 16 points from their previous six La Liga meetings against their local rivals.
- Simeone’s side have not suffered a single competitive defeat against the Little Thunderbolts since way back in February 2013.
- Vallecano have lost their previous four domestic appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 10-2.
- The Little Thunderbolts have registered just 12 points from their 10 La Liga home fixtures this season.
Conclusion
Claiming an immediate response on Thursday night as they stormed their way to a remarkable 4-0 Copa del Rey victory against Barcelona, Atletico Madrid will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Landing an action-packed 3-2 win when they welcomed Rayo Vallecano to the Metropolitano for their reverse La Liga showdown on September 24th, Simeone’s side do hold a dominant record against their bitter local foes. Mustering 16 points from their last six top-flight battles, Atletico should be smelling a real opportunity when they travel across the capital this weekend.
Verdict: Ademola Lookman over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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