Girona - Rayo Vallecano predictions and free betting tips [17/01/2024]

On Wednesday, 17 January, in the 1/8 final of the Spanish Cup, 'Girona' will host 'Rayo Vallecano'. Throughout its history, the Catalan club has only reached the national cup's quarterfinals once, while 'Rayo Vallecano' has never made it to the final.

Predicted Line-ups

'Girona': Carlos; Martinez, Juanpe, Blind, Gutierrez; Martin, Solis; Tsygankov, Portu, Savio; Stuani.
'Rayo Vallecano': Cardenas; Ratiu, Mumin, Pascual, Espino; De Frutos, Lopez, Mendez, Chavarria; Nteka, De Tomas.  

'Girona' 

'Girona' have suffered only one defeat this season in all competitions, even that against Real Madrid (0:3). The rest are victories and draws. Even 'Barca' (a 2:4 victory) and 'Atletico' (a 4:3 victory) couldn't disrupt the Catalans' fight for the first position in La Liga.

Last weekend, while their capital rivals were battling for the Supercup title, the white-bordeaux failed to defeat the sinking 'Almeria', which hadn't won at all this season (0:0). Dovbik, a forward from the Ukrainian national team, has netted 11 goals in this La Liga season and will lead the attack on Wednesday. 

'Rayo Vallecano'

'Rayo Vallecano' started off the season brilliantly but gradually cooled off. In La Liga standings, the guests are six points behind sixth-placed 'Sociedad', securing an eight-point buffer from the relegation zone. Last weekend Madrid didn't play in the league, so their previous duel was against 'Getafe' in a unique mini-derby ( a 0:2 victory).

Falcao (rotation), Sergio Camelo, and Raul de Tomas are expected to start, and as fans hope, they will boost the team’s attacking game; 'Rayo' has managed to net only two goals in their last five games. In short, Francisco might field the same starting eleven as against 'Huesca' two weeks ago.  

Head-to-head matches

In the past November, 'Rayo Vallecano' lost at home to 'Girona' (1:2), although in the four previous head-to-head meetings, Madrid had not lost. 

'Girona' vs 'Rayo Vallecano' Match Prediction

It's clear that Girona’s current form is impressive: only one loss since the season started in all competitions. Despite last weekend’s setback against bottom-placed 'Almeria', the Catalans can consider themselves a serious contender for the national cup title. That’s more so as they face crisis-ridden 'Rayo Vallecano' in the 1/8 finals. The Madrid side, missing several key figures due to various reasons, are unlikely to cause an upset – I expect a routine victory for the favourites. 

Total prediction 

'Girona' has excelled in attack this campaign, scoring an incredible 46 goals in 20 championship rounds (more than any other team). My prediction is for an ITO 1.5 goals for the white-bordeaux. 

Corner Prediction 

'Girona' will take the initiative from the opening minutes and start cracking the rival’s defence systematically. I predict a win for the hosts in the corners. 

Yellow Cards Prediction 

'Rayo' on average earns nearly three yellow cards per match, and versus on-form 'Girona', the guests will also have to foul often (yellow cards for the win).  

Score Prediction

My prediction is a precise 2:1 victory in favour of 'Girona'.