Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alavés

Rayo Vallecano host Alavés at Vallecas in an early test of both sides' ambitions for the new Primera División season. Rayo arrive off an eighth-place finish and a run to last season's Conference League final, while Alavés hope to leave a rough second half of last term behind them. Rayo's preseason form was patchy — a win over Villarreal, draws with Valencia and Girona, losses to Hearts, Ipswich and Crystal Palace, though they did beat Alavés 2-1 in a warm-up friendly. Alavés ended last season winless in five, drawing with Sevilla, Girona and Villarreal and losing to Levante and Valencia. Keep an eye on Isi Palazón and Sergio Camello for Rayo, and new arrival Carles Alena for Alavés. The history slightly favours the hosts: Rayo have won 12 of 24 meetings to Alavés' 10, taking three of the last five. Expect a tight, cagey opener at Vallecas. Our prediction: 2-1.