Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Two sides looking to mark their return from September’s international break on Monday night, Rayo Vallecano will welcome Osasuna to Madrid.

Rayo Vallecano

Starting with the hosts, while Rayo Vallecano might have opened the new campaign with a stunning 2-1 victory away at Real Sociedad on August 18th, the Little Thunderbolts have largely come crashing back down to earth. Heading into September’s international break with a 2-1 defeat away at La Liga returners Espanyol, Inigo Perez’s men are seeking a welcomed boost on Monday night. Now collecting just a single point from any of their previous three top-flight appearances, Vallecano know the importance of finding some crucial stability on home soil. Continuing on from last season, the Madrid-based outfit have won just a trio of their previous 18 La Liga showdowns in front of their own supporters – a run that stems back over the past 12 months.

Team News

Limping off against Espanyol prior to September’s international break with a first-half knock, former Cadiz defender Alfonso Espino is seen as a doubt on Monday night. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance across any competition throughout this calendar year, 21-year-old Diego Mendez remains on the sidelines.

While Raul de Tomas might have recently returned from an injury issue, the one-time Real Madrid youngster will settle for a spot on the bench here. Former Newcastle star Florian Lejeune will partner Ghana international Abdul Mumin at the heart of Perez’s defence.

Osasuna

As for the visitors, while Osasuna might have eventually missed out on the chance to book another shock top-half finish last season, Los Rojillos haven’t shown any signs of a hangover this time around. Heading into September’s international break with a sensational performance at El Sadar as they secured an action-packed 3-2 victory against Celta Vigo, Vicente Moreno’s men should find the mood in their camp at a real high. Despite falling to a routine 4-0 drumming at the hands of Champions League outfit Girona on August 29th, that is the only defeat that Monday’s guests have suffered from any of their first four La Liga appearances. With some in Osasuna’s camp dreaming of the chance to mount another European charge this season, the Reds could be smelling a potential opportunity here.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single appearance so far this season, Osasuna will once again be without Kike Barja on Monday night. However, despite dealing with a recent foot issue, Los Rojillos are hopeful that academy graduate Iker Munoz can return to Moreno’s squad here.

Featuring for Croatia over the past fortnight, veteran striker Ante Budimir will spearhead Osasuna’s charge in Madrid. Arriving from Real Valladolid this summer on a permanent basis, Flavien Boyomo will start at the heart of Moreno’s defence.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna last met back on April 20th, the Little Thunderbolts collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.
• However, continuing on from last season, Monday’s hosts have won just a trio of their previous 18 La Liga showdowns in front of their own supporters
• Osasuna have suffered just a single defeat from any of their first four La Liga appearances so far this season.
• Los Rojillos have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their last 12 La Liga showdowns.
• Three of the previous four meetings between Rayo Vallencao and Osasuna have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Heading into September’s international break with a stellar 3-2 victory against Celta Vigo, Osasuna have continued to receive a string of plaudits since opening up the new campaign. However, hit with a 2-1 loss when they travelled to the Spanish capital back on April 20th, it should be noted that Monday’s opponents do have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet. With three of the previous four showdowns between Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet