Rayo Vallecano head to Estadio El Sadar this Saturday with a mixed outlook, fresh from a win over Espanyol but missing key defensive players. Francisco Rodríguez's side sit 11th in the La Liga table with 7 points from 6 games and aim to consolidate their mid-table position.
The 2-1 victory against Espanyol last Tuesday provided relief after a 4-1 defeat at the Bernabéu. Álvaro García and Adrià Pedrosa scored the goals that secured the points for Rayo. However, the coaching staff must cope without defenders Jozhua Vertrouwd and Luiz Felipe, both sidelined with hamstring issues, and forward Randy Nteka, all expected back by the end of the month. Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla remains a long-term absentee.
These absences will force adjustments at the back, where Florian Lejeune and Mujaid Sadick will be key. Further forward, the major positive is the form of striker Sergio Camello. The forward, who also scored at the Bernabéu, is the team's top scorer this season with 6 goals in 6 league appearances. His battle with an Osasuna defence that just conceded four against Atlético Madrid could be decisive.
Osasuna, 13th with 6 points, are in a difficult spell with three consecutive defeats. Jagoba Arrasate's team also has significant absences including Aimar Oroz, Jorge Herrando and Moi Gómez. In the last meeting between the sides this past January, Rayo lost 1-3 at home.
For this match, Francisco Rodríguez is likely to stick with a 4-3-3 formation featuring Unai López, Pedro Díaz and Pathé Ciss in midfield. Emil Audero will continue in goal. Supporters can check the full squad status on our site. The match kicks off at 14:00 local time on Saturday and represents a chance for Rayo to claim their third win of the campaign, before hosting Real Betis at Vallecas next weekend.
