Elche – Rayo Vallecano : Preview & Prediction
Elche’s ordeal in LaLiga Santander (LL) 2022-23 does not stop, with a new defeat suffered in Balaídos on Wednesday (CEL 1-0 ELC). It is now six matchdays that the team has been losing, and they have not scored in five of those matches. At 18 points from the safe zone and with only seven games left, the relegation of the franjiverdes to the silver category can be confirmed this weekend.
Whether or not it happens on matchday 32, it can be said that Elche’s relegation is inevitable. “We are aware of where we are going to play next season,” acknowledged Sebastián Beccacece, under whose command the Valencian club has yet to score (0/15 points). At least Elche have gone four games without conceding more than two goals, having conceded three or more nine times this season.
In the first of its three streaks of five or more defeats in the current championship, Elche lost 2-1 to Rayo Vallecano, which visits the Martínez Valero three days after knocking out the leaders in Vallecas by the same score (RVM 2-1 Barcelona). The Red and Whites, who had fallen out of the race for the European places after an eight-game winless streak between February and April (E5, P3), have reacted by taking six points from the last nine possible (2-1 vs. Barça and Osasuna) and are keeping alive their dream of playing in Europe.
La Franja, with their aim sharpened: Rayo’s attack has been on target in their last six LL games, but seven consecutive games conceding at least one goal have halted the progress of Andoni Iraola’s side. Rayo hold the role of clear favorites this Saturday at the Martínez Valero, although the Vallecano side has won just one of its five visits to clubs ranked between 15th and last at the start of this matchday (G1, E2, P2).
Key battle: After 31 matchdays of the current championship, Édgar Badía is the goalkeeper with at least 12 starts with the highest average of goals conceded per game (2.0). The goalkeeper has more yellow cards (two) than clean sheets (one). Sergio Camello (G5, A5 in LL 2022-23) beat Badía before halftime in the match against Elche in the first round.
Key stat: Six of Rayo’s last seven LL wins have been by a one-goal margin.
Elche – Rayo Vallecano : Betting Tips
Rayo Vallecano – Win Odds: 1.75
