La Liga | Gameweek 14

Nov 24, 2024 at 3.15pm UK

Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan

Sevillavs.Rayo Vallecano

Match preview

Sevilla have won four, drawn three and lost six of their 13 La Liga matches this season, which has seen them collect 15 points. This is only enough for 13th spot in the table, with the team already nine points off the Champions League spots in Spain's top flight.

Los Nervionenses finished fourth in three straight seasons between 2020 and 2022, but they've been 12th and 14th in their last two La Liga campaigns. It looks like it could be another tough season for the club.

Before the international break, Garcia Pimienta's side lost back-to-back games to Real Sociedad and Leganés. Their last win was a 3-0 victory against Las Rozas in the Copa del Rey at the end of October.

Sevilla have only won one of their last four league matches, losing three along the way. They've also been beaten three times at home in the league this season.

Goals have been a bit of an issue during the 2024-25 campaign, with only 12 finding the back of the net. They're only three points off eighth, so a victory this weekend could see them rise up the table.

Rayo Vallecano were beaten 3-1 by Las Palmas in their last match on 8 November. That loss came after two back-to-back victories over Alavés and Villamuriel in the league and Copa del Rey respectively.

Inigo Pérez's team have won four, drawn four and lost four of their 12 league matches this season. They've scored and conceded 13, so it's been a solid start to the campaign for the club.

Los Franjirrojos are in their fourth straight season at this level of football, which is their best run in La Liga since 2016. However, they only just avoided relegation last term, finishing in 17th place.

So there's definitely room for improvement this season. Their away form has been pretty solid, picking up eight points from six matches and only suffering two defeats along the way.

Rayo Vallecano have only been victorious in one of their last 17 La Liga matches against Sevilla. That was a 1-0 success at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in October 2022. They drew 2-2 with Sevilla in the corresponding fixture last term.

Recent Performance

Sevilla La Liga form:DWLWLL

Sevilla form (all competitions):LWWWLL

Rayo Vallecano La Liga form:DDWLWL

Rayo Vallecano form (all competitions):DWLWWL

Team News

Sevilla will be without Tanguy Nianzou, Nemanja Gudelj, Orjan Nyland, Chidera Ejuke, Saul Niguez and Stanis Idumbo this weekend because of injuries, while Lucien Agoume is suspended after getting sent off against Leganés.

Agoume's absence could mean Juanlu Sanchez gets a chance to play, but it might be the same side that started against Leganes last time.

Isaac Romero is Sevilla's starting centre-forward and will continue through the middle, while Kelechi Iheanacho is also expected to keep his spot in an attacking area for the home side.

Rayo Vallecano will still be without Diego Méndez due to a serious knee problem, while Alfonso Espino is still a doubt. However, the visitors will be boosted by the returns of two players following suspensions.

Abdul Mumin and Unai Lopez are both back in contention for the capital side after serving bans last time out, and it looks like they'll be named in the starting side for this contest.

Jorge de Frutos has scored three goals from a wide position this season, and the 27-year-old is expected to be in the Rayo Vallecano line-up for Sunday's game.

Possible starting lineup

Sevilla possible starting lineup:

Fernandez; Carmona, Bade, Salas, Pedrosa; Sow, Sanchez, Lokonga; Lukebakio, Romero, Iheanacho

Rayo Vallecano possible starting lineup:

Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria; De Frutos, Valentin, U Lopez, A Garcia; Palazon, Camello