Struggling Sevilla hope to halt a two-game losing run in La Liga as they welcome Rayo Vallecano to Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Sunday. A 13th-placed Sevilla and 12th-placed Rayo will go head-to-head to gather much-needed momentum this season.
Match Preview
Sevilla’s Form and Challenges
Sevilla have had a difficult beginning in this La Liga season, managing only 15 points from 13 matches: 4 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses. Los Nervionenses, who not so long ago used to fight for a Champions League spot regularly, are now fighting for mid-table consolidation.
Recent Results: DWLWLL (La Liga)
Home Struggles: Sevilla has lost three of their six home league matches this season.
Scoring Woes: Just 12 goals in 13 matches, highlighting a huge offensive problem.
Rayo Vallecano So Far
Rayo Vallecano has been more consistent, accumulating 16 points from 12 matches, winning 4, drawing 4, and losing 4. The capital club, who come fresh off a 3-1 loss against Las Palmas, still seek stability after avoiding relegation by a whisker last season.
Recent Performances: DDWLWL (La Liga)
Away Form: Eight points from six away games, showing resilience away from home.
Balanced Statistics: Goals scored and conceded level at 13 apiece.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Historically, Sevilla leads in this fixture, with 16 wins out of the last 17 La Liga meetings.
Rayo’s last win at Estadio Ramón came in October 2022 with a 1-0 victory.
Last season’s corresponding fixture ended in a 2-2 draw.
Team News
Sevilla’s Injury Crisis
Sevilla has serious squad problems with several players ruled out:
Out: Tanguy Nianzou, Nemanja Gudelj, Orjan Nyland, Chidera Ejuke, Saul Niguez, Stanis Idumbo.
Suspended: Lucien Agoume (red card vs Leganes).
Key Players:
Isaac Romero: Leads the line as the main striker.
Kelechi Iheanacho: Expected to provide attacking support.
Probable Starting XI:
Fernandez; Carmona, Bade, Salas, Pedrosa; Sow, Sanchez, Lokonga; Lukebakio, Romero, Iheanacho
Rayo Vallecano’s Squad Updates
Injuries: Diego Mendez (knee problem), Alfonso Espino (doubtful).
Returning Players: Abdul Mumin and Unai Lopez are available after serving suspensions.
Key Players:
Jorge de Frutos: Has scored three goals this season from wide positions.
Probable Starting XI:
Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria; De Frutos, Valentin, U Lopez, A Garcia; Palazon, Camello
Prediction: Sevilla vs. Rayo Vallecano
This season has seen both sides blow hot and cold, and this game is expected to be no different. With Sevilla’s recent woes at home and Rayo’s good away form, a draw appears to be the most plausible result.
Prediction: Sevilla 1-1 Rayo Vallecano
