Alaves
- Alaves have been much more solid defensively and much more dangerous in transition since Coudet took over, but they are struggling to score goals right now.
- They have three clean sheets in their last six matches, but only seven goals scored in that period.
- Alaves have won three straight Copa del Rey matches, including a 1-0 win over Sevilla in the last round.
- Carlos Vicente has been their biggest attacking threat of late, scoring the crucial penalty that gave them a 1-0 win over Sevilla in the previous round, while he also provides width and directness in the attack.
- Coudet has options in rotation up front with Lucas Boyé, who equalized to give Alaves a 1-1 draw at Oviedo in their most recent away league game, and Toni Martínez, who is a reliable target man.
Rayo Vallecano
- Recent wins have not dented Rayo Vallecano’s progress in the Copa del Rey as they prepare to take on the Basque side in the Round of 16.
- This clash of styles between Eduardo ‘Chacho’ Coudet’s pressing, possession-based system and Rayo’s high-speed, high-intensity verticality will probably be decided on the counter-attack or from set pieces.
- Rayo have won just one of their last five LaLiga games but have progressed in both the Copa del Rey and European competition during that period.
- Rayo’s goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski has kept them in plenty of games this season, including a convincing 3-1 cup win away at Granada.
- Randy Nteka has given Rayo a spark in the middle third with his movement off the ball while Jorge de Frutos provides the quality from wide areas to unlock defenses.
- Rayo have also enjoyed European escapades, but at the expense of fixture congestion and continuity in league form.
Head-to-Head
Rayo Vallecano have won four of their last five competitive matches against Alaves, winning the last three by a single goal.
Key Players
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Notable players:
- Alaves:Carlos Vicente, Lucas Boyé, Toni Martínez.
- Rayo Vallecano:Stole Dimitrievski, Randy Nteka, Jorge de Frutos, Denis Suárez, Carles Aleñá.
Betting Insights
- The bookies see little to separate these two teams with Rayo only slight favourites at 2.87 and Alaves next at 2.81 with the draw at 3.06.
- Under 2.5 goals at 1.44 looks a good alternative bet given Alaves have scored only seven in their last six.
Prediction
Our correct score prediction is that it will finish level after 90 minutes with Alaves’ home edge and the visitors’ greater attacking quality keeping this a tight tie that could easily go to extra time and penalties.
