Sevilla aims for their fourth win of the 2023-24 La Liga season as they visit Rayo Vallecano in Madrid on Monday night.
Currently, Sevilla is 16th, just above the relegation zone, while Rayo is in 13th place, safer from the drop.
Match preview
Rayo has a mixed record this season with five wins, nine draws, and eight losses. They’re in 13th place, aiming to climb higher despite recent struggles.
They’ve won only once since October and have taken just one point from their last three games. A close match against Atletico Madrid ended in a narrow defeat.
Rayo, who finished 11th last year, has not lost to Sevilla in their last four encounters, drawing the last match.
Sevilla faces a tough season, battling relegation. Their previous successes include three fourth-place finishes and a Europa League win, which got them into the Champions League. However, they were eliminated early this season and are near the relegation zone.
They ended a losing streak with a draw against Osasuna but have struggled away, with Rayo also finding home wins hard to come by.
Rayo Vallecano La Liga form:
L L W L D L
Rayo Vallecano form (all competitions):
W W L L D L
Sevilla La Liga form:
W L L L L D
Sevilla form (all competitions):
W L W L L D
Team News
Rayo misses Diego Mendez due to injury and Bebe, who’s at the Africa Cup of Nations. New loanee Miguel Crespo could debut, and Unai Lopez returns from suspension.
Sevilla has several players out injured or doubtful. Suso and Sergio Ramos are suspended. Youssef En-Nesyri might play after Morocco’s exit from the Africa Cup, but Alejo Veliz isn’t ready yet.
Rayo Vallecano possible starting lineup:
Dimitrievski;
Aridane, Lejeune, Espino;
Ratiu, U Lopez, Valentin, Chavarria;
Palazon, Camello, A Garcia
Sevilla possible starting lineup:
Nyland;
Bade, Nianzou, Marcao;
Navas, Torres, Agoume, Soumare, Acuna;
Romero, Ocampos
Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Sevilla
With Sevilla’s away struggles and Rayo’s home game difficulties, a draw seems likely. The last few matches between these two have often ended even, and we expect a similar outcome this time.