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Rayo Vallecano will make the trip to Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan for their La Liga opener against Sevilla on Saturday.
The visitors kicked off their last three campaigns with away wins and will look to continue that trend this season.
Sevilla, meanwhile, have not won their opening game in four consecutive seasons.
Read our Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano key stats
- Sevilla are unbeaten in their last seven encounters with Rayo Vallecano.
- Five of the last seven H2Hs produced goals at both ends.
- At least five cards were awarded in six of the last eight skirmishes between these outfits.
Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano preview: Can the hosts break their opening day curse?
Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano — Tale of the Tape
| Sevilla | vs | Rayo Vallecano |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | Position | N/A |
| N/A | Points | N/A |
| N/A | Goals For | N/A |
| N/A | Goals Against | N/A |
| N/A | Clean Sheets | N/A |
| N/A | Home / Away Rank | N/A |
Although Sevilla finished 13th in La Liga last season, they had one of their worst points totals in this competition over the last two decades (43).
Luis Garcia, who helped the team navigate their way out of the relegation zone last campaign, has returned for his first full season in charge of the Andalusian giants.
The hosts have had to part ways with players like Akor Adams, Juanlu Sanchez, Djibril Sow, and Alexis Sanchez this summer, but they have also strengthened their squad with some new additions, most notably Robbie Ure from Sirius, who is currently the top scorer in the Swedish Allsvenskan with 15 goals in as many appearances.
Alfon Gonzalez, who spent last season on loan at Villarreal, remains questionable for this clash, with the forward picking up a slight muscle problem during Sevilla's pre-season campaign.
While the hosts won five of their seven pre-season fixtures, Rayo Vallecano had an abysmal campaign, losing three of their four friendlies.
The visitors finished eighth in La Liga last season – their joint-best finish in the Spanish top flight. Due to head coach Inigo Perez's departure for Villarreal, Rayo have brought in former Eibar coach Benat San Jose as his replacement.
While Sevilla lost their top three goal scorers from last season, Rayo Vallecano have held on to their best players, with Jorge de Frutos, Alemao, Sergio Camello, and Alvaro Garcia still at the club.
There are no injured or suspended players for the visitors, who will be playing their opening La Liga game on the road for the sixth consecutive season.
Interestingly, while Rayo Vallecano have not lost a La Liga opener in four straight years (W3, D1), their last defeat in an opening game came against Sevilla at this stadium in August 2021, and their last two Round 1 losses in this competition were against the Andalusian side.
Conversely, Sevilla have not kicked off a La Liga campaign with a victory since the 2021/22 season. The last time they did so, it was against Rayo.
Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano form guide & betting tips
| Sevilla | vs | Rayo Vallecano |
|---|---|---|
N/A |
La Liga Form | N/A |
| N/A | Points | BN/A |
| N/A | Form Table | N/A |
| N/A | Goals For | N/A |
| N/A | Goals Against | N/A |
W
W
W
W
L
|
Form (All Comps) |
L
L
L
W
L
|
Whispers Predicts: Sevilla 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
At 7/5 (2.40), Sevilla are considered favourites by the bookies.
Rayo Vallecano are not particularly brimming with confidence after losing three of their last four matches, and considering their poor track record against Sevilla in recent years, we are leaning toward the hosts for the victory.
Moreover, both teams were on the scoresheet in five of the last seven meetings between these teams, and this can be backed at 1/1 (2.00).
We also fancy a 2-1 correct score at 9/1 (10.00). This landed in three of Sevilla's last six home games across all competitions.
> Over 2.5 total goals at 13/10 (2.30) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 1/1 (2.00) | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result: Sevilla at 7/5 (2.40) | Likelihood: Probable
> Sevilla & BTTS – Yes at 43/10 (5.30) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct Score: 2-1 at 9/1 (10.00) | Likelihood: Outsider