West Brom v Rayo Vallecano preview: Team news, lineup, prediction
West Brom are set to take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday as their pre-season draws to an end.
The Baggies have struggled in their preparations for the Championship’s return, with losses to Blackpool and Lincoln City following a draw against Dynamo Kiev in Austria.
But Ryan Mason will hope the visit of Rayo Vallecano (2 August) will allow his side to end their pre-season on a high, with The Hawthorns set to welcome their new head coach.
West Brom v Rayo Vallecano preview
Teething issues are always to be expected following the appointment of a new head coach, but West Brom look to have struggled significantly with the implementation of Mason’s ideas.
The Englishman favours a high press and build-up play from the back, which will be new for plenty of the squad retained from last season.
Still, Mason is determined to maintain his principles, and Vallecano could present a slightly different test for them.
The Spanish side impressively finished eighth in La Liga last season, and look to have got firing already in the earlier stages of their pre-season.
Inigo Perez’s side got underway with a 1-1 draw with Belgian side Genk, before smashing Eredivisie outfit PEC Zwolle 5-0.
https://x.com/RayoVallecano/status/1949120598799437962Team news
Josh Maja is back in action for the Baggies after recovering from injury, while the participation of Tammer Bany and Daryl Dike is in doubt, with the latter appearing to suffer an injury against Lincoln.
Jed Wallace was missing against the Imps, with questions surrounding his future at The Hawthorns.
Vallecano, for their part, look to have a full bill of health ahead of their trip, but are behind in their preparations.
Predicted lineup
West Brom: Wildsmith, Heggem, Phillips, Furlong, Styles, Mowatt, Molumby, Price, Fellows, Johnston, Maja
Prediction: West Brom 2-2 Rayo Vallecano
Vallecano will likely present the biggest test West Brom have faced during their pre-season.
The La Liga side press well and are capable of dangerous, attacking football.
But the Baggies will have the advantage in match-fitness, and the extra minutes in the legs could prove key in the latter stages of the game.
Regardless, Mason will hope to see positives from his side, with the Championship opener beginning to loom large.
Sign up for the West Brom News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Bromwich Albion news sent straight to your phone.