Valencia vs Rayo Vallecano – News and Probable Lineups

Valencia CF will aim to leverage their home advantage when they take on Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Mestalla this Thursday evening in a La Liga Matchday 36 encounter.

The home side enters this match looking to follow up on a confidence-boosting win against Athletic Club, while Rayo Vallecano heads to Valencia in good form, standing just one point above their rivals in the standings.

Match overview

This season has been a mix of highs and lows for Valencia CF, who are currently positioned 12th in the La Liga standings with 42 points from 11 victories, nine draws, and 15 defeats. They have netted 38 goals but conceded 50 throughout the season.

Carlos Corberan’s squad approaches Thursday’s clash with optimism following their recent 1-0 win away at Athletic Club.

At the Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia has had a significantly better record, achieving seven wins, five draws, and five losses at home. Corberan will hope the home environment aids in delivering another positive result as the season concludes.

Nevertheless, their recent league performance has been inconsistent, with only two victories, one draw, and three defeats in their past six La Liga matches, including two losses in their last three home games. Therefore, winning on Thursday is crucial if they are to end the season on a successful note.

Rayo Vallecano arrives at Mestalla having had an impressive season, reaching their first significant European final where they will compete against Crystal Palace.

Inigo Perez’s team secured their spot in the final with a composed aggregate victory of 2-0 over Strasbourg, winning both legs 1-0, an impressive feat considering this is only Rayo’s second season in UEFA competition.

In La Liga, Rayo finds themselves in 10th position with 43 points – just one point and two places ahead of their Thursday hosts, with a record of 10 wins, 13 draws, and 12 defeats, having scored 36 goals and conceded 42 during the campaign.

Their recent form in the league has been solid, showcasing two wins, two draws, and a solitary defeat in their last five fixtures. They will head into Thursday’s match following a 1-1 draw against Girona in their latest outing.

On the road, the visitors have recorded four wins, three draws, and ten losses, a statistic that suggests Valencia may feel confident about securing all three points if they can assert control early at the Mestalla.

The head-to-head history between these two teams presents little to distinguish them, with their previous encounter this season finishing in a 1-1 draw. Over the last five meetings in all competitions, there has been one win for Valencia, three draws, and one win for Rayo.

Team News

Valencia CF will be without Jose Copete, who has a meniscus injury, while Dimitri Foulquier and Thierry Correia are both out due to knee and hamstring issues, respectively.

Hugo Duro and Javi Guerra are expected to lead the attacking charge once again, having been Valencia’s key offensive contributors for much of the season.

Rayo Vallecano will miss Isi Palazon due to suspension, with Jorge de Frutos likely to take up the advanced midfield position in his stead.

Luis Felipe is also absent because of a hamstring injury, adding to the list of players Perez must manage as the season moves toward a challenging conclusion.

Ciss and Florian Lejeune are anticipated to solidify the defensive line, while Oscar Valentin will likely oversee midfield alongside Pedro Diaz.

Rayo’s offensive front, featuring Alfonso Espino, Aleman, and de Frutos, is expected to pose a threat, as this trio has been vital to their formidable Conference League campaign.

Valencia CF probable starting XI:
Dimitriexi; Saravia, Cumart, Tarrega, Gaya; Rioja, Pepelu, Rodriguez, Lopez; War, Duro

Rayo Vallecano probable starting XI:
Battle; Ratiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarria; Lopez, Valentin, Diaz; Thorn, German, of Fruits

Valencia probable starting lineup:

Dimitriexi; Saravia, Cumart, Tarrega, Gaya; Rioja, Pepelu, Rodriguez, Lopez; War, Duro

Rayo Vallecano probable starting lineup:

Battle; Ratiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarria; Lopez, Valentin, Diaz; Thorn, German, of Fruits

As both teams are separated by merely one point in the standings, this match promises to be a tightly contested encounter that could tip either way.

Valencia’s stronger home record this season may give them a slight advantage, but Rayo has demonstrated throughout the campaign that they are formidable opponents, making a draw seem a plausible outcome.