Friday 02/05/2014, 20:30, Spain Primera Division, Round 36, Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Preview
Rayo Vallecano plays surprisingly well for a team that has virtually no reason to keep pushing in the remaining rounds. They are no longer involved in the race to avoid relegation, while European Cups are not within their reach either. Nevertheless, Rayo won two games in a row and scored three goals in each, so they shouldn't be underestimated tonight when they take on Athletic Bilbao.
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Odds
Rayo Vallecano 3.80, Draw 3.85, Athletic Bilbao 2.00
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tips
Rayo Vallecano started its resurgence two months ago by winning three games in a row and finished the month on an uptrend, with a narrow victory over Osasuna. Basically, they defeated all their counter candidates and caused them to plunge even deeper in the relegation area that they left for good.
The 5-0 defeat to Real Madrid was surprising but not that frustrating as the score indicates, since Rayo was already safe and sound. They fired back with another 3-0 victory over Celta Vigo and were denied three points one week later in Barcelona, when Espanyol leveled the score in the last minutes of the game.
Since then they humiliated Betis and Granada and will be taking on a visiting team that is struggling with injuries and unlikely to field a competitive formation. Athletic didn't have all their top players fit to play one week ago either when they took on Sevilla at home, but still found a way to win. Their injury list grew even longer and on top of that, they also have to deal with Muniain being suspended for 2 games.
Rayo Vallecano didn't draw a single match this season, but this fixture is very likely to end undecided, as both teams would fancy a point. Injuries are piling up, which means that the rest of the players are under a lot of pressure and sooner or later fatigue will show. Fortunately for Ray, there will be no consequences as the season ends in three rounds.
Key Facts
- Athletic Bilbao is 90% sure of finishing 4th, so they would be delighted to settle for a point tonight, while waiting for their players to return to form.
- The two teams met 21 times so far and 8 of those matches ended undecided, but Rayo Vallecano didn't lose at home in more than a decade.
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Prediction
This is the kind of match that punters would be wise to avoid, as there is very little motivation in both sides. There is definitely no value in backing depleted Athletic Bilbao at 1.90, when you can instead bet on Rayo Vallecano to win or Draw at the same odds. The hosts are in great shape and scored plenty of goals both at home and on the road, so they are definitely worth some credit.
Bet: Rayo Vallecano or Draw @ 1.90 with Pinnacle Sports
