Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano Preview: Team News & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Sevilla really need to rebuild and re-establish themselves as a force in Spanish football as they begin their campaign against Rayo Vallecano in Andalusia.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – 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 – Disney+ / USA – ESPN+
Sevilla preview: A new start
The last few years have seen Sevilla battle relegation and come close to being one of the biggest clubs to succumb to relegation across Europe in recent times. They have always found a way through but a new era is required to re-emerge as the club and team that they have been in the past.
Former Real Mallorca and Deportivo Alaves boss Luis Garcia steered them clear of the drop last season and remains at the helm. They have made some interesting signings over the summer, such as Patrik Mercado, Juan Iglesias, Jon Guridi and Arouna Sangante. Their biggest signing has been the addition of young Scottish striker Robbie Ure from Sirius for over £5 million.
Rayo Vallecano preview: A struggle to match the recent past
Rayo Vallecano have beaten the odds in recent seasons, qualifying for the UEFA Europa Conference League and reaching the final last season under Inigo Perez - but he has since departed to take on the manager's role at Villarreal instead.
Rayo are a mess off the pitch with poor ownership and issues that continue to blight them, with Perez performing something of a miracle at Vallecas. His replacement is former Eibar boss Benat San Jose - who has previously managed in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Chile and Belgium with little experience, both as a player and manager, in Spain.
Sevilla team news: An exciting time
Sevilla will be able to name more or less their strongest eleven with experienced defender Marcao remaining a doubt, while versatile attacker Alfon is the only confirmed absentee.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Fran; Juan Iglesias, Kike Salas, Gabriel Suazo, Oso; Jon Guridi, Agoume; Vargas, Peque, Ejuke; Isaac Romero
Unavailable: Alfon (Injured)
Questionable: Marcao (Injured)
Rayo Vallecano team news: Not too much to change
Rayo Vallecano will have to shake things up at the back after the departures of Nobel Mendy and Pep Chavarria, as well as an injury to Nobel Mendy. Benat San Jose prefers a 4-2-3-1 shape, similar to Inigo Perez.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Augusto Batalla; Ratiu, Kumbulla, Lejeune, Balliu; Ciss, Oscar Valentin; Jorge de Frutos, Isi Palazon, Alvaro Garcia; Sergio Camello
Unavailable: Luiz Felipe (Injured)
Questionable:
Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano prediction
What Rayo Vallecano are this season remains anyone's guess. The visitors played with a very aggressive style under Inigo Perez but a lack of quality did undermine them quite often - and without their miracle working coach, they may struggle this season. Sevilla, again, are unpredictable ahead of the campaign but they really should be confident of beginning their 2026-27 La Liga campaign with a victory at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano tip: Sevilla to win
