[Mario]

SPAIN LA LIGA
10/15/2014

Granada vs Rayo Vallecano

Home - Granada
Last away matches - L-L-W-D-W-D

Granada CF have gone from riches to rags in the matter of a few weeks. After opening the season with 4 straight unbeaten and 8 points, they have now lost their last 3 matches in La Liga action. While the 6:0 dismantling at the hands of the table-toppers in Barcelona was understandable, their 1:0 home defeat at the hands of Levante was not. Managing 0 shots on target throughout that match, the hosts must find a way to become consistent in their goal scoring after netting just 2 times in their last 5 contests. Colombian striker Jhon Cordoba was signed on over the summer to be the main hit-man in attack, and his traits of strength and power have caused many critics to take notice. He scored the lone match-winning goal against Athletic Bilbao in their most recent successful outing, and his form here may prove decisive towards the final score. However, they managed to accumulate just 3 more points at home than on the road last season, and 3 defeats in their last 5 league matches at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes doesn’t incite much confidence for their chances this Friday

Away - Rayo Vallecano
Last away matches - W-L-D-L-D-D

Rayo Vallecano came back down to earth a bit last time out, losing at home to Barcelona 2:0 despite an impressive showing that really should have seen them score at least once. Los Franjirrojos were enjoying a brief win streak headed into that match after defeating Levante on the road (2:0) and rapidly-descending Athletic Bilbao at home (2:1), and manager Paco Jemez will be confident traveling to Granada for the early La Liga match this week. Striker Leo Baptistao has been a revelation for the visitors since signing a loan deal from Atletico Madrid, as after a brief adjustment period to his new mates, he has now scored his team’s last 4 goals (3 matches), all of which contributed to victories. Supported by Alberto Bueno in attack, who has also enjoyed a quality campaign thus far, Baptistao could be a real force for future opposition to worry about. Further good news for the visitors is that they have traveled well lately, having accumulated 19 of their 43 points last season while managing 4 points from 3 road contests in the new term. However, they will have to cope here without centre-back Jorge Garcia Morcillo and Mexican attacker Javier Aquino, both of whom picked up red cards last time out.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-0.25)
Away - (+0.25)
Pick - Rayo Vallecano (+0.25)
Odds - 2.05
Stakes - 9/10