Student vs Master: Iñigo Pérez faces mentor Arrasate in crucial Vallecas showdown
Rayo Vallecano host Mallorca in a battle between two sides desperate for points, with both teams missing key players in Unai López and Raíllo.
A fascinating touchline battle awaits as former player takes on mentor in a relegation six-pointer at Vallecas.
Iñigo Pérez’s Rayo Vallecano welcome Jagoba Arrasate’s Mallorca in what promises to be a proper scrap between two sides desperate to climb away from danger. The student has yet to beat the master, with Pérez having spent seven seasons playing under Arrasate at Numancia and Osasuna before hanging up his boots.
Rayo’s midfield crisis
The home side are in a right pickle in midfield, with Unai López ruled out after picking up a knock against Getafe. He joins Pathé Ciss on the sidelines, with the Senegalese international still away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The injury list doesn’t stop there for the Franjirrojos:
- Luiz Felipe and Mumin remain unavailable
- Several players have been struggling with a virus this week
- Some even played through fever in Tuesday’s Copa clash with Granada
It’s not all doom and gloom though, as Iván Balliu and Alemao return to the squad, giving Pérez some welcome options.
Mallorca’s defensive blow
The visitors are looking to bounce back after taking a right hammering in their first match of the year against Girona. Their task has been made harder by the loss of captain Antonio Raíllo, who dislocated his collarbone in Wednesday’s training session and faces several weeks out.
Mallorca will also be without Morlanes, who was forced off during last Sunday’s match with an adductor problem in his left leg.
Key battle: De Frutos vs Muriqi
While Rayo have lacked a proper goalscorer in recent seasons, Jorge De Frutos has been doing his best to fill the void with five goals already this campaign.
For Mallorca, Vedat Muriqi continues to be the main man up top. The Kosovan striker has already netted 10 times this season and has an impressive record against Rayo, scoring in six of his seven appearances against them.
Prediction
Despite both teams having their fair share of problems, Rayo should finally get that elusive home win at Vallecas. Expect a tight 2-1 victory for the hosts, though set pieces could be Mallorca’s bread and butter even without Raíllo’s aerial presence.