Rayo Vallecano vs Sevilla Prediction and Preview – 21/02/16
La Liga preview – Rayo Vallecano vs Sevilla prediction.
Nicolas Fedor scored in his fourth consecutive game as Rayo Vallecano secured a draw at Gijon last weekend and is expected to spearhead the attack despite Javi Guerra’s return to training. Ze Castro missed the game through illness but is expected to return to the centre of defence this weekend. Right back Quin Ruiz will serve a one-match ban giving Paco Jemez the problem of how best to fill the gap. Tito has been preferred in a central role in the absence of Antonio Maya but could move across allowing Diego Llorente to drop into the back four. Alternatively, defensive midfielder Manuel Iturra could be asked to play in a makeshift role at full back.
Fernando Llorente returned from injury to score a brace when Sevilla defeated Molde 3-0 in the Europa League on Thursday. The Spanish striker is doubtful after being replaced by leading scorer Kevin Gameiro who scored the third, taking his season tally to 17 in all competitions. Frederico Fazio returns from suspension leaving Timothee Kolodziejczak facing a return to the bench while Antonio Reyes faces competition from Vitolo Perez for a place on the right wing. Nicolas Pereja, Marco Andreolli and Gzregorz Krychowiak are sidelined.
Possible Line-ups
Rayo Vallecano 4-2-3-1 formation: Carlos; Tito, Castro, Llorente, Martinez; Baena, Trashorras; Hernandez, Jozabed, Bebe; Fedor
Sevilla 4-2-3-1 formation: Rico; Mariano, Rami, Fazio, Tremoulinas; Iborra, Carrico; Reyes, Krohn-Dehli, Konoplyanka; Gameiro
Statistics
- Rayo Vallecano have won 2 drawn 5 and lost 3 of their last 10 matches
- Sevilla have won 7 drawn 3 and lost 0 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Rayo Vallecano have scored an average of 1.5 goals and conceded an average of 1.6 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Sevilla have scored an average of 2.2 goals and conceded an average of 0.5 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Rayo Vallecano’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Sevilla’s previous 10 matches
Prediction
Rayo are undefeated in five games following a terrible run of results through December until mid-January. They have taken four points from relegation rivals Las Palmas (W2-0) and Sporting Gijon (D2-2) in the last two games to pull three points clear of the drop zone. Rayo defeated Celta Vigo 3-0 in Vallecas on 23 January and will be bidding for their third consecutive home win.
Sevilla are undefeated in the last 14 games in all competitions and yet, still search for the first away win in La Liga this season. Unai Emery’s side has drawn on 7 of 11 road trips to date and two of the four away defeats have come against Las Palmas and Granada who are in the bottom three.
Sevilla have not scored more than one goal away from home this term and 9 of 11 away games have seen under 2.5 goals.
Tips
Draw at 27/10 with William Hill
Under 2.5 goals at 67/50 with Marathonbet
Correct Score 1-1 at 7/1 with BetVictor
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