Form and Line-up Alaves
The appointment of Quique Sanchez Flores has fully justified itself. Alaves have collected 10 points from their last five league matches and made sure of their La Liga status. During this run the Basque side even defeated Barcelona 1:0, with the Catalans already confirmed as champions by that stage. At Mendizorrotza the team play in a very organised manner. Over their previous six home games they have lost only to Athletic Bilbao (2:4), picking up points in all the others. At the same time the hosts score consistently – their scoring streak in the league now stands at 11 matches.
Key numbers Alaves:
In 10 of their last 13 home matches the hosts have conceded in the second half.
Alaves have conceded in 32 of 37 league matches this season, a record better only than Real Sociedad (three clean sheets).
In nine head-to-head meetings in a row with Rayo the bet Both teams to score – No has come in.
Probable line-up (3-5-2): Antonio Sivera – Victor Parada, Nahuel Tenaglia, Ville Koski – Angel Perez, Denis Suarez, Antonio Blanco, Jon Guridi, Abderrahman Rebbach – Ibrahima Diabate, Toni Martinez.
Absentees: Jon Pacheco (injuries), Facundo Garces (suspension).
Form and Line-up Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano head into the final round in excellent form. Inigo Perez’s side are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions. Over that period the Madrid club have scored 12 goals and significantly improved their chance conversion (11.78 xG over this stretch). However, away results remain a weak point for the visitors. In their last 12 La Liga away games Rayo have managed just one win. Moreover, even against relegation candidates the team have regularly dropped points, and they even lost 0:3 to Mallorca.
An additional issue could be the looming Conference League final. Inigo Perez is sure to think about rotation, and the visitors already have personnel problems – Palazon misses this match through suspension and several other players are doubtful.
Key numbers Rayo Vallecano:
Rayo have scored in the second half in five of their last six matches.
Perez’s team have conceded fewer than two goals in 13 of their previous 15 league games.
The visitors have received nine red cards, a worse record only than Oviedo (10).
Probable line-up (3-4-2-1): Augusto Batalla – Florian Lejeune, Nobel Mendy, Joshua Vertrouwd – Ivan Balliu, Gerard Gumbau, Pedro Diaz, Pacha – Fran Perez, Randy Nteka – Sergio Camello.
Absentees: Luis Felipe, Ilias Akhomach, Alvaro Garcia (injuries), Isi Palazon, Unai Lopez (suspensions).
