Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who open Sunday’s showdown only separated by their goal difference, Sevilla will welcome Rayo Vallecano to Andalusia this weekend.
Sevilla
Starting with the hosts, mounting a shock second-half comeback away at bitter local rivals Real Betis last weekend as they eventually snatched a thrilling 2-2 stalemate, Sevilla will be looking to use that dramatic late flurry as a platform to build on. However, getting February underway with a nightmare 4-1 drumming at the hands of Mallorca, Matias Almeyda’s men have once again drastically failed to find any kind of stability this season. Along with registering just a single win from any of their previous five appearances, Sevilla have also recorded just a pair of La Liga victories since the middle of December. Likewise, getting 2026 underway with a shock 3-0 defeat at home against Levante, Sunday’s hosts have also bagged just a sole domestic win in front of their own supporters so far this calendar year.
Sevilla Team News
Shown a costly first-half booking away at Real Betis last week, Chile international Gabriel Suazo will serve a one-match suspension on Sunday evening. However, missing out last week after serving his own respective one-game ban, French youngster Tanguy Nianzou will return to Sevilla’s squad.
Bagging a first La Liga strike since the start of October, former Arsenal skipper Alexis Sanchez will spearhead Sevilla’s attack here. Arriving from Atletico Madrid last summer, ex-Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta will start at the back.
Rayo Vallecano
As for the visitors, while Rayo Vallecano might have opened the New Year at the heart of a La Liga relegation scrap, the Little Thunderbolts have made a string of noticeable improvements over the past month. Storming their way to a 3-0 victory against Real Oviedo last time out, Inigo Perez’s men are unbeaten in each of their last four consecutive appearances and are enjoying their most fruitful spell since back in October. Springing a famous upset on February 15th as they claimed an iconic 3-0 romp against local rivals Atletico Madrid, Sunday’s guests will be looking to make another high-profile statement this weekend. However, it should be noted, Perez’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat when they welcomed Sevilla to the Spanish capital for their reverse meeting on September 28th.
Rayo Vallecano Team News
Ahead of their trip to Andalusia this weekend, Rayo Vallecano have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns. Landing that thumping 3-0 win against Oviedo last week, Perez could be tempted to name an unchanged starting XI on Sunday evening.
Bagging a classy La Liga brace last time out and now notching four goals in his last five appearances, Jorge de Frutos will spearhead Sevilla’s charge. One-time Newcastle United defender Florian Lejeune will start at the heart of Perez’s defence.
Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano Key Factors to Consider
- When Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano met for their reverse La Liga showdown on September 28th, Sunday’s hosts claimed a 1-0 victory in the Spanish capital.
- In fact, Sevilla have registered 10 points from their previous four La Liga battles against the Little Thunderbolts.
- Vallecano are unbeaten in their last four La Liga matchups (two wins, two draws).
- Sevilla have recorded just a sole La Liga victory in Andalusia so far this calendar year.
- The last three meetings between Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano have produced just two goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Two camps who open this weekend’s fixtures only separated by their goal difference, we could be set for a nervy affair from Andalusia on Sunday evening. In what is being billed as a real six-pointer, chances could come at a premium. Watching Sevilla snatch a gritty 1-0 win when they travelled to the Spanish capital for their reverse La Liga showdown on September 28th, the last three meetings between Sunday’s opponents have produced just a pair of goals at both ends of the pitch.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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