Form and Line-up of Valencia
Valencia are having an extremely inconsistent season, alternating eye-catching wins with runs of poor results. After losing to Atletico (0:2), in the previous round the Bats produced a sensation by beating Athletic Bilbao away (1:0). At Mestalla the home team play pragmatic football, focusing on defensive solidity (21 of 50 goals conceded) and making the most of the few chances they create. It is at home that Valencia have scored the bulk of their goals (23 of 38).
Key numbers of Valencia:
Valencia have lost only three times in their last 12 matches at Mestalla.
Corberan's team have collected only 68 cards over the season (only Real Madrid and Barcelona have fewer).
In five of their previous six matches the Bats conceded in the second half.
Probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Stole Dimitrievski – Renzo Saravia, Cesar Tarrega, Eray Cömert, Jose Gaya – Guido Rodriguez, Pepelu – Luis Rioja, Javi Guerra, Largie Ramazani – Umar Sadiq.
Absentees: Mouctar Diakhaby, Jose Copete, Dimitri Foulquier, Julen Agirrezabala, Thierry Correia (all injured)
Form and Line-up of Rayo Vallecano
Rayo have reached the Europa Conference League final, but the league campaign has not been pushed into the background. Inigo Perez's team have taken points in four rounds in a row (two wins and two draws) and scored seven goals over this stretch. However, their away record in La Liga remains bleak: 10 defeats in 17 rounds and just one victory in their last 11 matches on the road. The main problem for the Bees is their poor scoring record (14 goals) and defensive collapses away from home (27 goals conceded).
Key numbers of Rayo Vallecano:
In 8 of their previous 11 matches Rayo lost the first half.
In four of the last six away rounds Perez's team scored, but in five of those games they conceded.
Inigo Perez's side have picked up nine red cards in La Liga (the second-worst figure).
Probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Augusto Batalla – Ivan Balliu, Florian Lejeune, Nobile Mendy, Pathe Ciss – Gerard Gumbau, Pape Ismael Ciss – Fran Perez, Pedro Diaz, Jorge de Frutos – Alemao.
Absentees: Luiz Felipe, Ilias Akhomach, Diego Mendez (injuries), Isi Palazon (suspension).
