Rayo Vallecano vs Mallorca predictions: A Vallecano victory may see goals at both ends
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- Rayo Vallecano have won three of their last four matches
- Mallorca have lost four of their last five away games
- Recommended Bet: Rayo Vallecano to win and both teams to score
Rayo Vallecano will look to cap off a superb LaLiga campaign with a home win against a Mallorca that could earn them a spot in next season’s Europa League.
Victory for Inigo Perez's team, who are unbeaten in four, would at least secure a place in the Conference League.
But they will hope that other results go their way and they can overhaul Celta Vigo for seventh place.
Mallorca, meanwhile, are playing for pride and the possibility of securing a top-10 finish after a disappointing end to their campaign.
Team news
Oscar Valentin misses out with a suspension so Pathe Ciss is expected to step up from central defence to replace the Rayo captain in midfield.
Centre-back Aridane Hernandez can return alongside Florian Lejeune after overcoming the physical problems that kept him out against Celta last week.
Few other changes are expected with Rayo only missing long-term casualties Abdul Mumin, Sergio Camello and Jonathan Montiel through injury.
As for Mallorca, coach Jagoba Arrasate will be without Chiquinho, Abdon Prats, and Takuma Asano due to injuries.
Pablo Maffeo is a new concern after being forced off last game and is set to be replaced on the wing by Cyle Larin, who recently scored his seventh league goal.
Larin is expected to join Dani Rodriguez and Sergi Darder in supporting Vedat Muriqi, also on seven goals, while Antonio Raillo and Martin Valjent anchor the back four.
The stats
Rayo Vallecano are undefeated in their last four matches (W3, D1).
Mallorca have won just one of their last 11 away games in all competitions.
Mallorca are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Rayo (W5, D1), including a 1-0 win in October.
Four of the last six encounters between these sides have produced over 2.5 goals.
Rayo have conceded just three goals in their last four matches, while Mallorca have scored more than once in only one of their last five.
Prediction
Rayo Vallecano have found their rhythm at the business end of the season, and with home advantage, they are well-placed to finally end their winless streak against Mallorca.
The visitors’ terrible away form is a major concern, and motivation may be lacking with little but pride left to play for.
Rayo have scored exactly two goals in each of their last two games, but clean sheets have been eluding Jagobe Arrasate’s men.
Mallorca’s lack of attacking punch on the road has hindered their European hopes in the second half of the campaign.
But Larin’s form appears to be turning a corner after a goal drought and they should play with more freedom than Rayo, who are under pressure to deliver European football to their fans.
A narrow home victory with both teams scoring looks the likeliest outcome and a repeat of Vallecano’s 2-1 win at Celta Vigo last week could be on the cards.
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