Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano

Mini Derby in Madrid as The Galaticos host neighbours Vallecano – can the visitors take a point against the drama team?

Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano – Bernabeu 14:00 CET

Team News:

Real Madrid are without Militao from CB but they do have better news at the back with Rudiger, Trent and Mendy all injury free, whether they are fit to start is doubtful. CM Tchouameni is back from suspension.

Rayo Vallecano have just Andrei Ratiu missing for this one – he is a key man for them this season and will be missed.

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Formations:

4-3-3 for Madrid under Arbeloa which has had good results in Spain but not so much in UCL. 5 straight league wins for Los Blancos but a disappointing 4-2 loss at Benfica in midweek.

4-2-3-1 mainly for Vallecano who have struggled this season with the added European football. Expect them to not be as expansive as normal against Madrid.

Statistics:

Referee: Isidro Diaz de Mera (Average cards 5.80 Yellow 0.18 Red per game)

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Match Preview:

Five straight leagues wins has brought them to just one point behind Barcelona in the race for La Liga. Madrid will look to bounce back from the disappointing 4-2 loss in Portugal on Wednesday. Vallecano are just 1 point above the drop zone after a tough season so far. Expect goals here and although Vallecano plays good football don’t expect them to trouble Courtois much. With Kylian Mbappe in top form the visitors will struggle here.

Betting Preview:

Odds are low on the home side in this mini derby match. Its hard to make any case for the visitors here who have the short journey across the city. Madrid win to nil is an attractive option as Real Madrid at home are 9 wins from 10 matches. High cards is another option with the derby factor plus referee Diaz de Mera a menace with the yellow cards this season.