Rayo Vallecano vs Racing Santander preview - Sandoval backs Rayo to maintain consistency

Despite their comfortable position in the table in their first season back in the Primera Division, Rayo Vallecano manager Jose Ramon Sandoval believes his side deserve to be even higher in the standings based on their performances so far this campaign.

Rayo were very unfortunate to lose 1-0 to Real Madrid last weekend and despite playing more humble opponents in Racing Santander tomorrow, Sandoval insists his side will prepare and play in the same way.

Sandoval, whose team are 11th in the table but only four points off fourth place, told Marca: "We are a little below where we deserve to be.

"If this team has anything it is their consistency when it comes to competing. In all the games - win, lose or draw - they have shown face. This team has great self-esteem because it knows what it wants to do and how it wants to play.

"It is an important match. For us it is key because if we win we distance ourselves a little more from the third relegation place and we would also have the head-to-head advantage over Racing.

"They are a difficult opponent because they have had 11 draws and away from home they don't lose many games. We have to do our job very well to beat them."

Sandoval will be able to field top-scorer Michu after his red card against Madrid was rescinded and Michel could also return to the line-up after a few weeks out.

Racing boss Juanjo Gonzalez meanwhile has outlined the need for his defence to stand up to Rayo's aerial bombardment.

He told the club's website: "Rayo is the team with the second highest number of balls into the opposition box. The dimensions of their pitch may influence this a bit but it is a facet of their game that we have to be concentrated on and players like Bernardo could be very important."

Christian Stuani and Lautaro Acosta are both doubts for the visitors but Domingo Cisma returns from suspension and Gonzalo Colsa could start for the first time after a month out.