Rayo Vallecano vs Elche – News and Probable Lineups

Rayo Vallecano and Elche are set to clash in Spain’s top division on Saturday, both hoping to extend their respective unbeaten streaks, currently standing at three matches.

The home side enters this fixture following a 1-1 draw against Getafe, while Elche’s latest encounter ended without any goals against Villarreal.

Match overview

Rayo has achieved two victories, three draws, and three defeats over eight matches this season, accumulating nine points which positions them 14th in the La Liga standings.

The team from the capital has secured five points from the last three league outings, triumphing over Espanyol before drawing two consecutive matches against Osasuna and Getafe.

Benat San Jose’s squad is currently two points clear of Elche, who sit in 18th place, and is just two points behind Alaves in seventh, indicating potential shifts within the league this gameweek.

In their previous 47 encounters across all competitions, Rayo has only managed to win 13 against Elche, although they did come away with a 1-0 triumph when they last met in April 2026.

The Red Sashes had a strong finish last season, ending in eighth place in La Liga, just one point shy of Getafe, who occupied the seventh slot, as they aim for a renewed challenge for European competition spots this season.

Meanwhile, Elche concluded the last campaign in 15th place, putting them just one point above the relegation zone. Therefore, they will be aiming for significant improvement in the ongoing season.

The Green-Striped Ones have gathered seven points from one win, four draws, and four losses in their nine league fixtures, placing them in 18th position.

Martin Anselmi’s team garnered five points from their last three outings, overcoming Espanyol before the September/October international break and then securing draws against Celta Vigo and Villarreal.

Elche has recorded victories in three of their last five contests against Rayo, holding a substantial advantage in their overall head-to-head record with 28 wins compared to Rayo’s 13.

Team News

For Saturday’s La Liga matchup, Rayo will certainly miss Luiz Felipe and Augusto Batalla due to injuries, while Andrei Ratiu and Randy Nteka are considered doubtful at this moment.

Sergio Camello has been in outstanding form for Rayo this season, netting seven goals in eight appearances, and is expected to continue featuring prominently in the attacking third.

Additionally, both Alvaro Garcia and Isi Palazon are likely to start.

On the other hand, Elche will be without Marc Aguado due to an ankle injury.

Fer Nino, who has netted five goals in nine appearances this season, will spearhead the attack with support from Thomas Lemar playing in the number 10 role.

German Valera is also expected to play a significant role for the away side.

Rayo Vallecano probable starting XI:

Audero; Balliu, Lejeune, Sadick, Pedrosa; Lopez, Ciss; De Frutos, Palazon, Garcia; Camello

Elche probable starting XI:

Dituro; Sangare, Chust, Redondo, Revivo; Villar, Morcillo; Cepeda, Lemar, Valera; Child

Both teams are displaying satisfactory form, and a closely contested match is anticipated for Saturday, though the home advantage may enable Rayo to secure all three points.