Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano – News and Probable Lineups

Ambitious Getafe is looking to get back to winning form as they host Rayo Vallecano in their La Liga campaign on Sunday afternoon.

Currently, Getafe holds the sixth position in the La Liga standings, tied on points with Celta Vigo in seventh, while Rayo finds themselves in 11th, five points clear of the relegation threat.

Match overview

Although Getafe faced a defeat at home against Barcelona in their last match, they have had a commendable season so far, accumulating 44 points from 33 games, placing them sixth in the league, equal in points with Celta Vigo.

It would be disappointing for Getafe to miss European qualification from this point, especially considering they have won seven out of their last 11 league matches.

Getafe ranks only 16th in terms of home performance in La Liga this season with 21 points garnered from 16 fixtures, but they will face a Rayo team that also holds 16th position for away games this season.

Earlier in the season, Jose Bordalas’ team managed a 1-1 draw against Rayo, and they have not claimed a victory against their Sunday rivals in Spain’s top division since February 2019.

Rayo remains unbeaten across the last nine encounters against Getafe, with six of these matches ending in draws.

Rayo is likely to have their focus diverted as they aim to secure a place in the Conference League final.

Inigo Perez’s team achieved a 1-0 victory over Strasbourg in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final on Thursday night and will travel to France next week for the return leg, which is anticipated to be an exciting match.

Rayo’s last league outing ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Real Sociedad, bringing their total to four points from two recent league fixtures as they ascend the table.

While their survival in the division is still at stake, Los Franjirrojos are currently positioned 11th, five points above the relegation zone.

Interestingly, Rayo is merely five points behind sixth-placed Getafe, so a win here could certainly enhance their chances of securing European football for the upcoming season.

Getafe La Liga form:

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Rayo Vallecano La Liga form:

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Rayo Vallecano form (all competitions):

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Team News

Remarkably, Getafe will be missing three players due to suspensions on Sunday, with Zaid Romero, Mario Martin, and Djene Dakonam all unable to participate.

Juanmi is sidelined due to injury, and Borja Mayoral will undergo a late fitness assessment to determine his availability for the match.

With Dakonam suspended, Abdel Abqar is likely to step in at the back, and Adrian Liso might get the chance to play as Martin’s absence leaves a gap.

For Rayo, Diego Mendez, Luiz Felipe, and Alvaro Garcia are ruled out of the fixture due to injuries, while Randy Nteka’s participation will also depend on a late fitness test.

Isi Palazon will miss this match for the visitors as the 31-year-old received a caution in the previous 3-3 draw against Real Sociedad.

Changes can be expected in the Rayo lineup ahead of the second leg of their Conference League semi-final against Strasbourg next week, with Andrei Ratiu, Jorge de Frutos, Ilias Akhomach, and Alemao likely to be rested.

Getafe probable starting XI:

Soria; Abqar, Duarte, Boselli; Femenia, Milla, Arambarri, Iglesias; Liso; Satriano, Vazquez

Rayo Vallecano probable starting XI:

Battle; Balliu, Lejeune, Mendy, Espino; Gumbau, Ciss; Perez, Diaz, Martin; Camello

Recent encounters between these two teams have often resulted in draws, and another stalemate seems likely this Sunday afternoon.