Rayo Vallecano come into this one licking wounds after an opening-day defeat on the road. Quique Sánchez Flores watched his side ship goals at Sevilla, and the defensive errors that cost them there will be front and centre at Vallecas. But look at the bigger picture — this is a side that finished last season with a statement 2-0 win over Villarreal, a result that showed exactly what they can do when the press is sharp and the transitions are quick. At home, in front of that famous Vallecas crowd, they are a different animal. The noise, the tight pitch, the wall of red and white — it suffocates visitors. They will be desperate to bounce back, and desperation at home in La Liga is a dangerous thing.

Alavés, though, are flying. Four wins on the spin, including a 3-0 demolition of Getafe on the opening day at Mendizorroza. That is a statement. Lucas Boye is back from injury, and the Basque side look sharp, confident, and full of goals. But here is the catch — that run has been built at home. On the road, against a wounded Rayo side with a point to prove, the dynamic shifts. Alavés will not have it as easy as they did against Getafe, who parked the bus and got picked apart. Vallecas is a cauldron, and their recent away form is less convincing. Momentum is real, but so is home advantage.