Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction: Moreno can inspire rare Villarreal win

Villarreal have failed to win their last five matches but can turn things around against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday (20:30, Premier Sports Player). The tragic floods across the Valencia region have understandably impacted the Yellow Submarine's form but this looks like a good chance to get a victory in their final home game of 2024. 

Rayo are unbeaten in three, drawing 3-3 with Real Madrid on Saturday, and recently won 1-0 down the road at Mestalla. However, they are still to win away against a team above them in the standings and Marcelino's hosts can grab a victory. 

Football Odds

Team News

Sunday's spicy 2-1 defeat has left Villarreal short on numbers, with Alex Baena, Kiko Femenia and Dani Parejo suspended. 

Alfonso Pedraza is also out with a knee injury, while Nicolas Pepe is sidelined with a thigh problem. 

For Rayo, Raul de Tomas is again a doubt due to illness and Pelayo Fernandez is unlikely to play a role due to a hamstring issue. 

Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano Odds

Villarreal are 5/6 to win for the first time since November 9, with the draw 11/4 and Rayo 16/5 to win at the Ceramica for only the second time this century.  

The Yellow Submarine won last season's renewal of this fixture 3-0, a result that is 14/1 to be repeated. 

Villarreal to win and over 2.5 goals @ 7/4

Marcelino's side failed to capitalise on Real Betis going down to 10 men after 34 minutes of Sunday's 2-1 home defeat. 

It was more frustration and their third defeat in a row but after a difficult time for their region, their final home game of 2024 could provide extra motivation ahead of Sunday's trip to Leganes. 

Rayo led 2-0 against Real only to go 3-2 down before equalising after 64 minutes through Isi Palazon. 

Inigo Perez took time to settle after returning to coach the club after working as Andoni Iraola's assistant, but has been in situ for 10 or so months and is now getting his message across. 

The Red Sashes are among the most entertaining teams in Spain, but with that comes inconsistency.  

Over 2.5 goals has landed in two of Rayo's last three in the league and five of Villarreal's last six and the host can edge an entertaining midweek encounter. 

Gerard Moreno anytime goalscorer @ 6/4

Baena's suspension is a blow but opens the door for Villarreal's former talisman Gerard Moreno to take the headlines. 

The former Spain forward never got the move his Ceramica form potentially deserved but at 32, he appears content with his lot and is one of the most consistent players in La Liga. 

Moreno may have only scored once this season but can take his opportunity and double his tally.

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