Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Prediction: Hosts to push further away from trouble

Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol will both be looking to pull further clear from relegation danger when they meet at the former’s Campo de Futbol Vallecas on Thursday (19:00 BST, Premier Sports Player).

Below are my Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol predictions, supported by all the latest team news and match odds, ahead of this midweek meeting in La Liga.

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Team News

Rayo Vallecano defenders Florian Lejeune and Nobel Mendy are both serving suspensions for an accumulation of yellow cards, while Diego Mendez is ruled out with a knee injury.

Fran Perez (back), Luiz Felipe and Alvaro Garcia (both unspecified) are considered doubts for Inigo Perez’s side.

Football Odds

Urko Gonzalez (yellow cards) is banned for Espanyol, while Javi Puado (ACL) is still sidelined.

Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Odds

Rayo Vallecano are 11/10 to win and level Espanyol on 38 points, implying a 47.6% probability of success, while the visitors are 13/5, or a 27.8% chance, to do the double after triumphing 1-0 at the RCDE Stadium in December.

The draw is priced at 23/10 and both teams to score at 10/11.

Player to Receive a Card - Pep Chavarria (RAY) @ 18/5

Rayo left-back Pep Chavarria, who is averaging 1.2 fouls per 90 in La Liga this season, has received six yellow cards and one red in 27 top-flight appearances (24 starts), while he’s also been booked twice in five Uefa Conference League games (all starts).

The 28-year-old has a tough job on Thursday to contain Espanyol winger Cyril Ngonge, who joined the club on loan in January from Napoli, having spent the first half of the season at Torino.

Ngonge has won 10 fouls across seven La Liga appearances at an average of 2.5 per 90, with Real Betis’ Aitor Ruibal and Villarreal’s Sergi Cardona both booked for upending the Belgian.

Today's Football Fixtures

Bet Builder - Rayo Vallecano or Draw & Under 2.5 Total Goals @ 5/4

Rayo have been strong at home all season, losing just two of their 15 league games at Campo de Futbol Vallecas (W5, D8), and none of their last five (W3, D2).

Espanyol have been too bad on their travels, picking up 17 points from 16 away games, but they’ve only won four times (D5, L7), all before Christmas.

In 2026, Espanyol have lost five and drawn three of their eight away matches, making Rayo or Draw in the ‘Double Chance’ market an obvious play.

I’m teaming that selection up with under 2.5 goals, as Campo de Futbol Vallecas has witnessed just 28 goals this season - only Getafe (25) and Real Oviedo (21) have seen fewer strikes on home soil - at an average of 1.86 per game.

Espanyol’s away games, meanwhile, are averaging 2.87 goals p/g.

December’s reverse fixture was settled by a 39th-minute Roberto Fernandez spot-kick, which proved to be the only goal of the game, and I’m predicting another tight contest between the two teams on Thursday.