Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano Predictions & Match Preview

Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as Rayo travel to Balaidos.

Date	Saturday 11th March 2023
Kick-Off	18:30 (CET)
Stadium	Balaidos
Competition	LaLiga

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Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano Preview

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Celta Vigo host Rayo Vallecano in Galicia this weekend as both sides will be aiming to pick up points with the international break fast approaching. Rayo will be looking to keep in the fight for a European place whilst Celta will aim to keep up their form after losing only one of their last six matches. 

Celta’s last outing was an away trip to Osasuna last Monday evening. Celta were not at their best on the night, unable to muster a single shot on target. Admittedly, Osasuna were not outstanding by any means, also failing to create many chances outside of a few earlier in the first half courtesy of Ante Budimir. Celta will have been happy to take a point from this match however, given that El Sadar is typically a tough place to go. 

The Galician side did not have the strongest start to the season, but since the start of 2023 their fortunes have changed after gaining fifteen of their twenty-eight points since the turn of the year. Picking up a point or more in this match against Rayo would allow the side to extend their unbeaten run to seven games, an impressive record for Carlos Carvalhal’s side. 

Their opponents also come into this match after a 0-0 draw last weekend, as Rayo hosted Athletic Club in Vallecas. There were a number of chances in this game, with both sides hitting the woodwork and Rayo keeper Stole Dimitrievski was forced into a couple of good saves. 

Rayo have had a mixed run of results in 2023, winning three games, losing three and drawing three. However, the capital side are still sitting in seventh place in the table on thirty-five points and with a huge chance of qualifying for Europe next season, Andoni Iraola’s side will be looking to string some victories together. A win in Galicia against an on form Celta Vigo side would be a huge confidence booster to the Rayo players and could be the beginning of a run of results.

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Team News & Possible Lineups

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Celta

INJURED	Marchesin
DOUBTFUL	Mingueza
BANNED	Mallo, Tapia

Possible XI: Villar – Galan, Aidoo, Nunez, Kevin – Beltran – De la Torre, Veiga, Perez – Aspas, Seferovic (4-1-3-2)

Coach: Carlos Carvalhal

Rayo Vallecano

Possible XI: Dimitrievski – Fran Garcia, Catena, Lejeune, Balliu – Comesana, Valentin – Alvaro Garcia, Trejo, Isi – Camello (4-2-3-1)

Coach: Andoni Iraola

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Score Prediction: Celta Vigo 1-1 Rayo Vallecano

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Celta are the more in form side of the two, however Rayo will be giving their all to maintain their European spot given how close the surrounding pack is. A draw seems the most likely result for this match.

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PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.