Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves Prediction, Lineups, Betting Pick, Latest La Liga Odds for Thursday, August 20th
Preview, lineups, team news, and prediction for the LaLiga match between Rayo Vallecano and Deportivo Alaves on Thursday, August 20th.
OC Staff - August 20, 2026, 12:30 PM EDT
3 Minute ReadRayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves Prediction: Will Both Sides Struggle to Score in La Liga Opener on Thursday Afternoon?
Rayo Vallecano currently occupy ninth position in LaLiga, while their high-flying visitors Deportivo Alaves sit proudly at the top of the table after a dream opening weekend. The two sides are set to clash on Thursday 20th August 2026 at 19:00 UTC at the hosts' home ground, with both teams eager to establish early-season momentum.
Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves Form
The hosts started their campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat away at Sevilla, throwing away a one-goal lead to concede a 97th-minute penalty. Conversely, the away side enjoyed a perfect start, comfortably defeating Getafe 3-0 to claim top spot.
However, the visitors must contend with the hosts' formidable record in this fixture; the home side has won and kept clean sheets in each of their last four home games against them.
Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves Head to Head
The last meeting in May 2026 saw Rayo Vallecano secure a 2-1 victory on the road. Looking at their last six encounters across all competitions, the home side has held the upper hand with four victories, while the visitors have triumphed twice, including a 2-0 Copa del Rey win in January 2026.
Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves Odds
Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Thursday, August 20th, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
Click here for complete Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves Odds
Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves Probable Lineups
Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Balliu, Ciss, Lejeune, Ratiu; Lopez, Valentin; Garcia, Palazon, de Frutos; Camello
Deportivo Alaves (3-5-2): Sivera; Otto, Koski, Tenaglia; Rebbach, Blanco, Rodriguez, Ibanez, Perez; Diaz, Martinez
The tactical battle will be won in midfield. The hosts' 4-2-3-1 relies on the defensive midfield screen of Lopez and Valentin to protect the backline, allowing Palazon to create. However, the visitors' 3-5-2 offers a crowded five-man midfield featuring Blanco and Rodriguez, which could dominate central possession and unleash their dangerous wing play through Rebbach and Perez.
Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves Team News
The home side remains without Luiz Felipe, who has been sidelined for four months with a hamstring injury and is targeting a September return. Marash Kumbulla is also a doubt. Meanwhile, the visitors boast a fully fit squad, with Toni Martinez and Mariano Diaz expected to lead the line, while Lucas Boye returns from injury to bolster their attacking options.
Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves Match Facts
- Rayo Vallecano have kept a clean sheet in their last 4 home matches against Deportivo Alaves in all competitions.
- Rayo Vallecano have won their last 4 home matches against Deportivo Alaves in all competitions.
- Rayo Vallecano have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 4 home matches against Deportivo Alaves in all competitions.
Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Deportivo Alaves
The hosts have a strong historical home record against this opposition, but their current defensive frailties—specifically their weakness in protecting leads and propensity to commit fouls—will test them. The visitors are highly dangerous on the counter-attack and clinical at finishing, though their tendency to run offside could halt their momentum. Given that the away side will create many scoring chances but the hosts play aggressively at home, a hard-fought 1-1 draw is the most likely outcome.
Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals (-150) Click here to get the best odds at Bet365 Sportsbook
Historically, this fixture at this venue is a tight, low-scoring affair. The home side has seen under 2.5 goals in their last four home matches against the visitors, making this a highly statistically backed alternative angle.
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