Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Sevilla have shown some fight in the biggest games this season as the mid-table Andalusians now welcome Rayo Vallecano down to Seville on Sunday afternoon.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Sevilla preview: Mid-table Sevilla
Sevilla come into this one on the back of a 2-2 draw with Real Betis in El Gran Derbi at La Cartuja last weekend in a game in which they fought back from 2-0 down with an excellent rally in the second-half.
Matias Almeyda and his Sevilla side do remain in the bottom-half of La Liga ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures and a six-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone isn’t as healthy as they would like.
Rayo Vallecano preview: Impressive Rayo
They will also be frustrated by the fact that Rayo Vallecano managed to overtake them on goal difference in midweek, courtesy of a 3-0 hammering of fellow strugglers Real Oviedo at Vallecas, with a brace from Jorge de Frutos as well as an Alvaro Garcia strike.
Rayo are now unbeaten in their last four matches in La Liga, despite continued irritations and frustrations off the pitch, ahead of their UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 tie against against Turkish Super Lig outfit Samsunspor in midweek.
Sevilla team news: Suazo still suspended
Former Toulouse defender Gabriel Suazo is still missing through suspension for this one, while Cesar Azpilicueta, Peque and Neal Maupay are all fresh injury concerns.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Vlachodimos; Cardoso, Gudelj, Kike Salas; Jose Angel Carmona, Agoume, Sow, Oso; Juanlu, Adams, Sanchez
Unavailable: Marcao (Injured), Suazo (Suspended), Peque (Injured)
Questionable: Cesar Azpilicueta (Injured), Vargas (Injured), Maupay (Injured)
Rayo Vallecano team news: Fresh doubt
Rayo head down to Seville with one fresh injury concern as Senegal international defensive midfielder Pathe Ciss is dealing with a knee issue.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Augusto Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Alfonso Espino; Oscar Valentin, Gerard Gumbau; Akhomach, Isi Palazon, Fran Perez; Jorge de Frutos
Unavailable:
Questionable: Ciss (Injured)
Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano prediction
Rayo will continue to play with the same level of aggression and intensity that they so often do with Inigo Perez’ side having rediscovered some energy in the last month or so. Sevilla, though, will believe they can take immense confidence themselves from last week and playing against a more front foot side may suit them, too, so both teams scoring does feel likely for this one at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano tip: Both teams to score
