Sevilla (home)
- Sevilla FC are having a mid-table season of LaLiga with 30 points from 26 games leaving them 12th in the standings.
- Their recent form has been mixed with one win, three draws and a defeat in their last five matches.
- Matias Almeyda’s recent overhaul of their system has put a lot of energy back into the side with some really intense, high-pressing football.
- They are a powerful, physically aggressive unit that transitions from defence to attack very quickly and have lots of numbers overloading the wide areas.
- Almeyda’s system doesn’t always work, but it has brought a collective work ethic back to the team and makes them dangerous in transition.
Rayo Vallecano (away)
- Rayo Vallecano are three places below Sevilla in 15th spot in the league with three fewer points from one fewer game - 27 from 25.
- Their form has also been mixed of late with one win, two draws and two defeats in their last five LaLiga matches.
- The most recent trio of games has seen a stunning 3-0 home win over Atletico Madrid followed by 1-1 draws at Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao.
- They play a similar direct style, pressing high up the field and creating chances through their wingers in transition.
- Jorge de Frutos has been their main goal scorer this season with eight goals from 23 appearances and he is usually in the right place at the right time to score in those transitions.
Head-to-Head
Sevilla have not lost either of their last two home meetings with Rayo Vallecano, winning the last one 1-0 five months ago in LaLiga.
Key Players
- Jorge de Frutos has been their main goal scorer this season with eight goals from 23 appearances and he is usually in the right place at the right time to score in those transitions.
- Akor Adams has been a consistent threat at the top of Sevilla’s attack with six LaLiga goals from 21 games so far.
- Djibril Sow has chipped in with two of his side’s last six goals and he is a shrewd player who likes to time his runs to perfection and finish off moves.
Betting Insights
- The hosts are 2.3 to win a game they have drawn their last two times at home.
- Rayo have failed to win their last two away games, drawing one and losing one, and they have conceded 22 goals in 13 LaLiga away games this season.
- Over 2.5 goals looks a good bet at 2.2 with both teams to score at 1.9 also appealing to us.
Prediction
- Home advantage and a bit more of everything should see Sevilla edge this game in an end-to-end affair with goals at both ends.
- Sevilla are the most intense side in LaLiga right now and should be able to impose their will on Rayo at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Sunday.
