Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction | UEFA Conference League Final Preview for May 27
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Preview
With the World Cup heading to North America this summer, GoldSheet will be ramping up its soccer coverage over the next few weeks. WagerTalk handicapper and GoldSheet’s featured writer Bruce Marshall previews Wednesday’s Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano clash in Leipzig for the UEFA Conference League crown.
Daily Betting Analysis from GoldSheet
GoldSheet is the country’s longest-running sports betting newsletter providing weekly coverage of the NFL and college football, plus daily coverage of the NBA and college basketball, for nearly seven decades. Subscribe to The Basketball GoldSheet newsletter where we provide a detailed write-up on every NBA game from Opening Night through the NBA Finals for less than $3 per day.
Once in a while, world soccer provides an unexpected treat. European clashes between English and Spanish sides more conjure up visions of Liverpool-Real Madrid, or Man United-Barcelona…but Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano in a final at Leipzig? Thank the relatively-new UEFA Conference League (in its fifth edition) for providing this extra platform.
Crystal Palace’s Current Form
Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised to see Palace in another finale…after all, that’s what Oliver Glasner sides seem to do, for a fourth time since 2022, either in domestic cups or Europe (in the case of the latter a Europa League title with Eintracht Frankfurt back in 2022).
The tale of Palace this season actually begins with its inclusion in this competition as opposed to the Europa League, which last May’s FA Cup title (under Glasner again) should have provided…except that UEFA’s multi-team ownership guidelines, and owner John Textor’s interest in Ligue Un’s Lyon (also in the Europa), demoted Palace to the Conference League.
The transfer outflow removed key cogs midfielder Eberechui Eze (to Arsenal) in the summer and defender Marc Guéhi (to Man City) in January, plus Glasner’s mid-January announcement that he would be departing after the conclusion to the season.
The latter in particular created much unease for a time in the winter as Palace’s form dropped, but staying clear of the drop zone could focus energies on Europe, where Palace has hit some high notes in this competition, especially when comfortably seeing off Fiorentina and Shakhtar Donesk in recent knockout phases.
Jean-Philppe Mateta, Senegal international Ismalia Sarr, plus Spain international Yéremy Pino, provide a consistent cutting on the frontline that will require attention from Rayo.
Rayo Vallencano’s Current Form
We suspect, however, this price undervalues Rayo, maybe the most unlikely European finalist in memory, from its small corner of Madrid but having forged quite a spirit under manager Iñigo Pérez, who has blended a unique and far-flung mix of weapons from the likes of right back Andrei Ratiu, atatcking midfielder Isi Palazón (scorer of two goals in the 4-3 quarterfinal aggregate win over AEK Athens; apparently off suspension for the final) striker Jorge De Frutos (who just missed inclusion into Spain’s World Cup squad), and cannon-like blasts from defender Florian Lejeune.
Rayo, which like Palace needs a win to reach next fall’s Europa League, is working on nine straight results into Wednesday, and this doesn’t look a case like a year ago, when EPL’s Chelsea was the clear class of the competition, and saw off another Liga side (Real Betis) in the finale…the first time a Spanish entry had lost a European finale after 19 straight wins vs. non-Spanish sides.
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction
We are very tempted by the Rayo win price of +320 but a more-prudent investment might be Rayo on the goal spread +0.5 goals at -110/115 (in 90 minutes), as the Vallecas side has proven adept at grinding out results, and opposing the 15th-place EPL entry doesn’t suggest the class divide we saw with Chelsea a year ago.
Similarly, if looking for a higher price, the 90-minute Draw at +235/240 intrigues as a separate punt, and not inconsistent, from Rayo on the spread. For a real flyer on a supplemental play, you can find +500 on this match being decided on PKs.
More Soccer Picks and Predictions Today at WagerTalk
WagerTalk is the largest picks site online offering soccer FREE PICKS every week as well as premium paid soccer picks from expert professional sports bettors.
WagerTalk Live Odds Screen
WagerTalk’s live odds screen features up-to-the-minute lines from a variety of offshore and domestic sports books. Track moneylines, runlines, totals and betting percentages for a variety of domestic and international leagues.
**************************************************
Looking for more free sports picks and sports betting tips? Go beyond the anytime touchdown scorer picks!
- Latest Betting Odds and Public Action: Vegas lines updated in real time, including who the public is betting on and anytime touchdown scorer odds.
- Last Minute Handicapping Advice: Check out our extensive library of handicapping tips and advice from professional Vegas handicappers (we also recommend taking the time to look over our sports betting tips video library)
- Want an expert opinion?Check out the latest Free Sports Picks and Best Bets from our team of expert sports handicappers.
Make sure to bookmark all the above!
