Espanyol vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction & Betting Tips (31 August)

Relegated two years ago then back in the elite, Espanyol Barcelona could finally fall into the category of “elevator” teams. In any case, this is the observation that we can draw up with three days and only a small point on the clock, caught during the week during J3 on the lawn of a title candidate, Atlético Madrid 0-0. The Catalans only suffered and can thank heaven for not having conceded a goal, clearly. Before that, the residents of Llobregat had lost twice against Valladolid in the opening 1-0 and Real Sociedad at home last weekend 0-1.

Undefeated until this defeat against FC Barcelona on Tuesday evening 1-2 , Rayo managed to bring back the 3 points of the Basque Country against Real Sociedad during the 1st day 1-2 and take a small point from the neighbor, Getafe 0-0. Rayo therefore lost its first match against the Culers but it is clear that it was threatening, especially in the first half but the Barcelona substitutes were able to make the difference and bring pep, like Dani Olmo. The objective of the residents of the Madrid suburbs will be to quickly get back on the right path.

Espanyol traveled without Exposito (cruciate ligaments) and without Cabrera (crucial) on the Atlético pitch on Wednesday evening. Both players should remain on the sidelines again this evening. It is always good to remember that the top scorer in LaLiga2 last year, Martin Braithwaite (22 pawns) signed up for Gremio this summer and his offensive contribution is sorely missed by the Catalans. Boys like Keidi Bare (Zaragoza), Nico Melamed (Almeria), Keita Balde (end of loan), defender Oscar Gil (Leuven) and recently the unimportant Soler (Murcia, loan) and Lazo Jose (Albacete, free) have followed in his footsteps. Conversely, arrived on loan, Marash (AS Roma), Irvin Cardona (Augsburg), Alejo (Tottenham), Alex Kral (Union Berlin), Carlos Romero (Villarreal) and during the week, Cheddira (Naples). Rayo Vallecano practically welcomed Barça in full if we exclude the injuries of Raul de Tomas (pubalgia, OUT tonight) and Mendez (OUT tonight) and the non-participation of the flagship recruit, James Rodriguez who started the training on Wednesday (probably lacking the condition to play this evening).

Note that Bebe (important last year) was not called up during the week against Barça, which may portend a possible departure. To talk about departures, Monaco legend Radamel Falcao returned to Colombia to close his career while Dimitriesvski decided to continue his goalkeeping career at Valencia in the shadow of Mamardashvili who will move to Liverpool next season. Kike Perez (Valladolid) and Miguel Crespo (15 appearances) were not renewed at the end of their loan. To mention the arrivals, Pedro Diaz (Bordeaux), Pelayo Fernandez (Barcelona), Etienne Eto'o or even the experienced who experienced relegation with their club last year Gerard Gumbau (Granada, D2), and Embarba (Almeria, D2) have signed. Less impactful, goalkeeper Batalla (River Plate) also joined via loan.