Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano: La Liga predictions, best bets and odds

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Just like last year, Barça face Rayo Vallecano on matchday three of La Liga EA Sports, but this time the match is at the Catalans’ home ground. Last season, Barcelona drew 1-1 in Vallecas, a result that once again shows how tough Rayo have been for the Catalans in recent times and suggests that Flick’s side will have to work hard if they want to stay at the top of the table. Here are our predictions for the match.

Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano tips

Barcelona to win with between 1 and 3 goals scored – 20/23 @ bet365

Both teams NOT to score - 4/5 @ bet365

Under 4.5 goals - 4/9 @ bet365

Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.

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Barça win, but not a goal fest

Barça rarely play on Mondays throughout the year, but interestingly, one of the last times was a visit from Rayo to Barcelona, in Flick’s first year, which ended 1-0 to the Catalans. Beñat’s Rayo haven’t left the best impression, but the Vallecas side have made things difficult for Barça in recent meetings, conceding more than two goals in just one of the last 10 (which was three). They have also only kept a clean sheet once in that run, so we expect another hard-fought win for the Catalans.

Tip: Barcelona to win with between 1 and 3 goals scored – 20/23 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Barcelona win by scoring between one and three goals.

Both teams not to score

Barça have started the year with two clean sheets that, combined with the fact they had the best defensive record in the league last season and were especially solid at home, suggests Rayo could struggle in attack. In fact, the Vallecas side have failed to score at Camp Nou in their last four visits. All this points to both teams not scoring.

Tip: Both teams NOT to score - 4/5 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if both teams do not score

Under 5 total goals

Rayo’s inconsistent start to the league and the attacking power shown by Barça at the start of this season have pushed the odds up for goals. That’s something we can take advantage of, as the last twelve meetings between these two sides have all had fewer than five total goals, including the last six at Barça’s home ground. Given that, despite the chances, Barça’s match against Athletic ended with just two goals, we believe it’s safe to bet that this match will see similar numbers.

Tip: Under 4.5 goals - 4/9 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if there are fewer than five goals in total

Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano odds

Barcelona win: 1/7 @ bet365

Draw: 15/2 @ bet365

Rayo Vallecano win: 14/1 @ bet365

Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.