Rayo Vallecano host Drita in their final league phase fixture in the UEFA Conference League, with both teams pushing for a place in the knockout stage. A home win earns the Spaniards automatic qualification, while the visitors are looking to maintain their recent away form.
Rayo Vallecano are poised to secure a top-eight finish as they sit sixth in the table after earning three wins and a draw from their five league phase matches. Inigo Perez's men claimed a 2-1 victory over Jagiellonia in their previous fixture.
The Spaniards have been a bit unconvincing lately, with just two wins in their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, they are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 home matches, playing out a 0-0 draw with Real Betis in a Monday night Spanish La Liga fixture.
Drita can also be pleased with their league phase campaign, having earned two wins and as many draws from five matches. However, they suffered their first defeat last time out, losing 3-0 at home to AZ Alkmaar.
That result is part of a recent poor run for Drita, who are winless in four of their last five matches in all competitions, playing out a 1-1 home draw with Gjilani in a domestic fixture last weekend. However, Zekirija Ramadani’s men have done some good work on their travels and are unbeaten in six of their last seven away matches.
How the bookies view it: Vallecano overwhelming favourites.
Rayo Vallecano have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 1/6 by bet365 to claim the win. A victory for Drita is valued at 22/1 by William Hill, while a draw is set at odds of 7/1 on William Hill.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first-ever meeting between Rayo Vallecano and Drita.
Players to watch: Eyes on Garcia
Alvaro Garcia has caught the eye for Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League, scoring five goals so far. The attacker will be the one to watch on Thursday (Alvaro Garcia anytime goalscorer – valued at 11/10 by bet365).
Drita also have some quality in attack and will look to Arb Manaj to provide the spark in attack. The forward has two Conference League goals and could be worth keeping an eye on (Arb Manaj anytime goalscorer – priced at 4/1 by Betfred).
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Probable line-ups:
Jorge de Frutos went off injured for Rayo Vallecano on Monday night and is doubtful for this one, while Diego Mendez and Oscar Trejo are ruled out. Garcia should feature in attack while Florian Lejeune is set to line up at the back.
Drita will be without the injured Juan Mesa while Mamadou Soumahoro is suspended. Manaj is set to lead the line once again, while Jorgo Pellumbi should continue in defence.
Rayo Vallecano: Batalla, Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Chavarria, Valentin, Diaz, Perez, Palazon, Pacha, Garcia.
Drita: Maloku, Krasniqi, Bejtulai, Pellumbi, Ovouka, Ajzeraj, Limaj, Dabiqaj, Sheji, Abazaj, Manaj.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in Rayo Vallecano’s last four Conference League matches (BTTS YES – offered at 5/4 by Betfred). They have also scored in both halves in two of their last four league phase matches (Rayo Vallecano to score in both halves – available at 4/6 on William Hill).
Rayo Vallecano are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, and given their defensive frailties, a win and both teams to score offers more value (Rayo Vallecano win & BTTS YES – set at odds of 15/8 by Ladbrokes).
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