Rayo Vallecano vs Celta: probable lineups, per sports press

Rayo Vallecano

Beñat San José is preparing for the game with an important absence: Pathé Ciss will not be able to play due to suspension. The Senegalese joins the sidelined players Augusto Batalla and Luiz Felipe, while Andrei Ratiu remains pending his physical condition.

Precisely, Ratiu is behind one of the positive late-breaking pieces of news. The coach confirmed that the Romanian full-back is progressing favorably and has trained with the group, although his starting spot is still not guaranteed. Balliu has the edge in BeSoccer's projections, while other outlets keep the competition open.

In goal, there is agreement on Emil Audero, while Lejeune, Mujaid Sadick and Adrià Pedrosa are expected to complete the back line.

In midfield, Unai López and Pedro Díaz appear among the main options to cover for Ciss's absence. Óscar Valentín also has a chance to come into the XI.

In attack, Álvaro García, Isi Palazón and Jorge de Frutos remain the main candidates to play behind the striker. The final doubt is between Sergio Camello and Alemão, although BeSoccer backs the former.

Possible Rayo XI (4-2-3-1): Audero; Balliu, Lejeune, Mujaid Sadick, Pedrosa; Unai López, Pedro Díaz; De Frutos, Isi, Álvaro García; Camello.

Main alternatives: Ratiu for Balliu, Óscar Valentín in midfield, and Alemão for Camello.

R.C. Celta de Vigo

Claudio Giráldez heads to Vallecas with several important absences. The Galician press, especially La Voz de Galicia, confirms that the sky-blue side are without Carl Starfelt, Álvaro Núñez, Miguel Román, Jones El-Abdellaoui and Borja Iglesias.

In goal, Andrei Radu looks set to start, with Javi Rodríguez, Yoel Lago and Marcos Alonso as the main candidates to form a back three.

The flanks bring some uncertainty. Javi Rueda and Javi Galán feature in BeSoccer's projections, although Sergio Carreira also has options to take the right wing.

In midfield, there is more consensus. Ilaix Moriba and Aleix Febas have the edge to form the double pivot.

The main doubts are up front. With Borja Iglesias absent, Ferran Jutglà is a candidate to lead the line, although Giráldez could also opt for a more mobile forward line. Pablo Durán, Hugo Álvarez and Hugo González are other alternatives considered by the sports press.

Possible Celta XI (3-4-3): Radu; Javi Rodríguez, Yoel Lago, Marcos Alonso; Javi Rueda, Ilaix Moriba, Aleix Febas, Javi Galán; Pablo Durán, Jutglà and Hugo Álvarez.

Main alternatives: Sergio Carreira for Javi Rueda, Hugo González in attack, and Iago Aspas as an offensive option.