Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
On Thursday, May 15, we’re set for a matchday 36 La Liga clash between Rayo Vallecano and Betis. Kick-off is at 19:00 Central European Time, and here’s our betting preview for this showdown.
Rayo Vallecano – Betis: Match facts and head-to-head stats
- Rayo Vallecano have won their last two matches, but those are their only victories in the previous six games.
- Betis have lost just once in their last seven outings.
- Out of ten away matches, Betis have suffered two defeats, drawn twice, and picked up six wins.
- Betis have scored over 1.5 goals in 78% of their games this season, while Rayo have done so in 66%.
- Betis have lost to nil in 12% of their matches this season, compared to 17% for Rayo Vallecano.
- Rayo Vallecano have scored in both halves in only 9% of their matches, Betis in 20%.
- The reverse fixture ended 1-1. However, in the previous five meetings, Betis won three times and Rayo once.
Rayo Vallecano – Betis: Match preview
Rayo Vallecano sit right on the edge of the European qualification zone and have a shot at making the UEFA Conference League next season. After 35 rounds, they’ve picked up 47 points and are eighth in the table, ahead of Mallorca on tiebreakers and two points clear of 10th and 11th places. With three games left, including this one, they need to keep momentum to stay in the hunt for Europe. The team is on a two-match winning streak after a run of four without a victory. It’s a timely turnaround to keep their European hopes alive.
Betis are also fighting for European football, but they have their eyes on a possible UEFA Champions League berth. After 35 rounds, Betis have 58 points and sit sixth. They’re just three points off fifth, with three games to go. Betis still have a solid chance, but need to win all their remaining matches and hope Villarreal slip up. The form is there: they’re unbeaten in their last four matches.
Probable lineups
- Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Hernandez, Chavarria; Ciss, Lopez; De Frutos, Diaz, Garcia; Embarba
- Real Betis: Adrian; Sabaly, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez; Cardoso, Lo Celso; Antony, Isco, Fornals; Bakambu
Prediction
With just three rounds to go, the race for European places is set to be fierce for both sides. Rayo Vallecano and Betis can’t afford to slip up, so expect an intense, action-packed contest. My tip: total goals over 2 at odds of 1.51.
