Rayo Vallecano will seek to break their six-match winless streak as they travel to face third-placed Girona.
Girona, meanwhile, aim to bounce back from consecutive defeats as they host struggling Rayo Vallecano. Despite recent setbacks, Girona remains in contention for the league title and could regain momentum with a string of positive results. Presently, they sit third in the standings with 56 points from 26 matches, eager to reclaim the second spot with a victory in this encounter.
Disappointed by recent losses to league leaders Real Madrid and Athletic Club, Girona missed a chance to climb to the top of the table. Now trailing Real Madrid by six points, they are keen to reignite their title aspirations.
Rayo Vallecano, positioned 14th in the table with 25 points from 25 matches, find themselves eight points clear of relegation. However, their recent form has been concerning, with six league games without a win, including four defeats. Yet, they gained a morale boost by holding Real Madrid to a draw in their last outing, instilling confidence ahead of facing another top team.
As both teams prepare for the upcoming clash, The Hard Tackle examines their strategies and attempts to forecast the tactics they may deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Girona
The home team will have to cope without Daley Blind and Joel Roca for this match, with doubts lingering over the availability of David Lopez and Toni Villa. However, Yan Couto is eligible to play again after serving his suspension.
Manager Michel is expected to maintain the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Paulo Gazzaniga guarding the goalposts. Eric Garcia and Juanpe will form the central defensive partnership, aiming to keep a clean sheet, while Couto and Miguel Gutierrez will operate as the full-backs.
In midfield, Aleix Garcia and Yangel Herrera will combine as the double pivot, not only providing defensive cover but also dictating the tempo and controlling possession.
Ivan Martin will assume the number ten role, orchestrating the attacks, with Savio and Viktor Tsyhankov providing width on the flanks. Together, they will strive to create scoring opportunities for their in-form striker Dovbyk.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Couto, E Garcia, Juanpe, Gutierrez; Herrera, A Garcia; Tsyhankov, Martin, Savio; Dovbyk
Rayo Vallecano
Pep Chavarria and Diego Mendez’s participation for the visiting team remains uncertain. Additionally, Isi Palazon is unavailable due to suspension following a significant yellow card accumulation. Consequently, Jorge de Frutos is expected to replace Palazon in the starting lineup. The visitors are set to maintain their 4-4-2 formation, with minimal alterations anticipated from the lineup that faced Real Madrid in their previous match.
Stole Dimitrievski will guard the goal for Rayo Vallecano, with Aridane Hernández and Florian Lejeune forming the central defensive partnership. Alfonso Espino and Ivan Balliu will operate as the full-backs, providing defensive support against the formidable attack of the opponents.
De Frutos will assume duties on the right side of the midfield, while Alvaro Garcia will occupy the opposite flank. Oscar Valentin and Unai Lopez will hold pivotal roles in the central midfield, aiming to thwart the midfield dominance of Girona. In the attacking department, Raul de Tomas and Oscar Trejo will form the striking duo.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Hernandez, Lejeune, Espino; De Frutos, Valentin, U Lopez, A Garcia; De Tomas, Trejo