Rayo Vallecano square off against Sevilla in a Spanish La Liga fixture at the Estadio de Vallecas. The hosts are seeking some momentum after a slow start, while the visitors are aiming to build on some fine performances on their recent travels.
With only one win from their last six La Liga outings, Vallecano sit 14th in the table. Their struggles continued last time out as they fell 3-2 to Atletico Madrid, with Pep Chavarria and Alvaro Garcia getting their goals.
One positive for Rayo Vallecano is that they are unbeaten at the Estadio de Vallecas this season. However, both league matches for Inigo Perez’s team in front of their fans have ended in 1-1 draws with Barcelona and Celta Vigo.
Sevilla have fared a bit better than the hosts this season and are unbeaten in three of their last four matches. However, they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Villarreal in their previous fixture.
However, the good news for Sevilla is that they have done better on their travels this season. Matias Almeyda's men have won their last two away matches, beating Alaves 2-1 in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano have been installed as favourites among the bookies and are priced at Evens by BoyleSports to claim the win. A victory for Sevilla is valued at 13/5 while a draw is set at odds of 21/10.
Head to head: Upper hand for Sevilla
Sevilla have a 13-2 advantage with seven draws in the last 22 matches against Rayo Vallecano. The visitors were unbeaten last season, winning 1-0 at home before holding out for a 1-1 away draw in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Eyes on Vargas
Isaac Romero has two goals this season and will be the one to watch for Sevilla on Sunday. The forward will be keen to improve on his tally this season and could be backed to score (Isaac Romero anytime goalscorer – valued at 11/4 by BoyleSports).
Rayo Vallecano will look to Alvaro Garcia to provide the spark in attack, having scored two goals this season. The forward will be the one to watch for the visitors (Alvaro Garcia anytime goalscorer – offered at odds of 3/1).
Probable line-ups:
Luiz Felipe, Abdul Mumin and Randy Nteka are missing for Rayo Vallecano due to injuries. Florian Lejeune and Andrei Rațiu are expected to line up in defence, while Jorge de Frutos, Garcia, Pedro Diaz and Isi Palazon are also set to feature.
Sevilla have a few injury concerns ahead of this game, with Joan Jordan and Alfonso Gonzalez currently sidelined. Odysseas Vlachodimos should retain his spot in goal, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Tanguy Nianzou should start at the back. Nemanja, while Ruben Vargas, Romero and Chidera Ejuke are set to lead the line.
Rayo Vallecano: Batalla, Ratiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarria, de Frutos, Diaz, Valentin, Garcia, Camello, Palazon
Sevilla: Vlachodimos, Azpilicueta, Nianzou, Marcao, Sanchez, Gudelj, Sow, Suazo, Vargas, Ejuke, Romero
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in four of the last five matches between Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla (BTTS YES – priced at 4/5 with BoyleSports). Four of the visitors' last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals – offered at odds of 21/20.
Sevilla are unbeaten in nine of the last 10 matches against Rayo Vallecano and will be keen to extend that run (Sevilla double chance – available at odds of 3/4).
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