Following a tough home defeat against Villarreal, which prompted a staunch defense from manager Matías Almeyda, Sevilla travels to Vallecas seeking to recapture the strong form they have consistently shown on the road. Two consecutive away victories against Girona and Alavés have kept the team’s season afloat, compensating for their struggles at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, where they are yet to win. This successful away formula is built on the high-intensity, high-pressing style Almeyda has instilled in his squad.
While the Argentine manager defended the eight changes he made for the Villarreal match, a different approach is expected at Vallecas. The starting eleven is anticipated to more closely resemble the lineup that secured their recent away victories, with changes expected across the pitch. While Odysseas Vlachodimos, César Azpilicueta, Castrín, and Gabriel Suazo are likely to retain their spots, up to seven new faces could feature.
In defense, Marcao is set to return to the center, covering for the injured Nianzou and Kike Salas. José Ángel Carmona is expected to reclaim the right wing-back position, allowing Juanlu a rest. Almeyda will likely restore his preferred midfield pairing of Mendy and Lucien Agoumé to bring back defensive solidity and harass the opposition. Further forward, Matías Vargas is expected to start as the attacking midfielder, with Isaac Romero leading the line. The main uncertainty lies in whether to field Djibril Sow for greater midfield control or to opt for the more offensive profile of Alexis Sánchez, whose attacking skills could be well-suited to the dimensions of the Vallecas stadium.
Ultimately, the manager wants his team to replicate their performance at Mendizorroza rather than their display against Villarreal. Improving their defensive record is crucial for competing at a high level away from home, which means maintaining the aggressive style that has successfully stifled opponents. Offensively, the team will rely on the creativity of Vargas—and potentially Sánchez—complemented by the finishing of Isaac, who is currently in sharper form than Akor Adams.
Sevilla’s dynamic approach will meet a similar high-energy style from Rayo Vallecano, a team known for its intense football, particularly at home. However, Íñigo Pérez’s side has yet to secure a La Liga victory at Vallecas this season, though they have earned draws against strong European contenders like Barcelona and Celta Vigo. They will be determined to finally deliver a win for their home fans. Despite this, recent history favors the visitors, as Sevilla has not lost at the unique Vallecas stadium in nearly 13 years.
Like Sevilla, Rayo is also expected to rotate its squad following the midweek fixtures and ahead of their Conference League group stage debut. Key players such as Pedro Díaz, Jorge de Frutos, and Sergio Camello are likely to return to the starting lineup. They will join Álvaro García, a Sevilla fan who became Rayo’s all-time leading goalscorer in the top flight last Wednesday.
The match promises to be a high-voltage affair, reflecting the philosophies of both managers. Almeyda recently justified his team’s proactive, end-to-end style by stating, “Sitting back nearly got this club relegated.” This declaration of intent comes ahead of a visit to Vallecas, a stadium he knows from his playing days to amplify the pace of the game. His counterpart, Íñigo Pérez, also advocates for an intense brand of football and is considered a rising managerial talent, already attracting attention from larger clubs, much like his predecessor and mentor, Andoni Iraola.
Although it is only the seventh matchday of the season, the pressure is on for Almeyda’s Sevilla to respond. The painful midweek loss to Villarreal brought the first real scrutiny upon the manager, whose appointment had inspired hope for a more stable and ambitious season. While the Argentine coach remains firm in his convictions, he acknowledges that results are paramount. To earn the time needed to fully implement his vision, he must secure more points, starting with this 2:00 PM away fixture. For Almeyda and his team, maintaining their strong away form against a hungry Rayo side is essential.
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