Rayo Vallecano vs Sevilla prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-02-18 15:15.
In seasonâs gone by, this fixture would represent one of the toughest on Rayo Vallecanoâs calendar, but with the Madrid outfit flying high and visitors Sevilla floundering in mid-table, one of La Ligaâs (LL) surprise-packages may be confident of making it three H2H league games unbeaten against the visitors (W1, D1) for the first time ever, as they seek to solidify their top-six spot.
This contest might have a surprise in store for Rayo however, who saw their push for a first participation in UEFA competition since 2000/01 dented by a 1-1 draw to lowly Getafe last time out. Having also won just one of their last four league home games (D1, L2), Rayo manager Andoni Iraola will want an immediate return to winning ways and it appears that a quick start holds the key to doing so, with Rayo winning each of the four LL games here in which they struck first this season.
Another reason this fixture is far from straightforward from a Vallecano persuasion is Sevillaâs drastically-improved form, which has taken them from LLâs relegation zone to eyeing a top-half finish in the space of a month. A 2-0 victory over Mallorca in their last league outing means Sevilla have now won three of their last four LL games (L1), which impressively is as many as theyâd managed in the 17 games prior this campaign!
The Andalusian outfit have even taken their sparkling form to Europe, dispatching PSV 3-0 in Thursdayâs Europa League clash to mark their fifth-straight home victory. And whilst Sevilla might be winless in their last five LL away outings (D2, L3), they may be boosted by a six-game unbeaten run when travelling here (W3, D3), which is coincidentally Rayoâs longest run without a home league win against any current LL team!
Players to watch: Ălvaro GarcĂa might be the man for this clash, as he struck in Rayoâs last home LL outing and also netted the only goal in their 1-0 victory in Octoberâs reverse fixture. Sevilla will hope Youssef En-Nesyri is the difference maker, with the forward grabbing five goals from his last five appearances.
Hot stat: A joint-league high 80% of Sevillaâs LL away matches this season have seen both teams score (W1, D3, L4).