Sevilla take on Rayo Vallecano at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Saturday. It’s one of two matches on the opening night of La Liga 2026/27, along with the clash between Alavés and Getafe.

Sevilla rebuilding after losing Sow and Juanlu

There are no major fitness issues for Sevilla ahead of matchday one, and winger Alfon González is the only likely absentee. There is continuity in the dugout, with Luis García Plaza still in charge after he guided Los Nervionenses to safety at the end of last term.

Key man Rubén Vargas reached the World Cup quarter-finals with Switzerland, scoring twice and also registering an assist in six appearances. He has recently returned to training and may only feature off the bench.

The Andalusians have been active in the transfer market over the past fortnight. Djibril Sow and Juanlu Sánchez are significant departures, while Scottish striker Robbie Ure has arrived in a €6.5m move from Sirius.

Sevilla predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Vlachodimos; Iglesias, Sangante, Salas, Suazo; Agoumé, Guillén; Sierra, Guridi, Oso; Romero.

Defensive departures hit Rayo Vallecano

The new season of La Liga marks a fresh beginning for Rayo Vallecano, following the exit of their successful coach Iñigo Pérez. Beñat San José is the new man, but he looks set to continue with the same 4-2-3-1 structure.

Centre-back Nobel Mendy is not expected to feature as he closes in on a €25m move to Hull City. Fellow defensive regular Pep Chavarría has also completed a surprise €19m switch to Chelsea this week, so recent signings Marash Kumbulla and Iván Balliu will both start.

Jorge de Frutos was the biggest attacking threat for Rayo last season. He netted 10 times in 36 league appearances and is ready to be deployed on the right flank at the Sánchez Pizjuán.

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Kumbulla, Lejeune, Balliu; Valentin, López; De Frutos, Palazon, García; Camello.

Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Sevilla to win or draw
  • Odds: 1.365 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Sevilla 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
  • 22Bet Booking Code: LFEXJ

Key stats:

  • Sevilla collected nine points from their final five league games last season.
  • Los Nervionenses have won three of their past four home fixtures in La Liga.
  • Rayo Vallecano lost three of their four pre-season friendlies.

Backing Sevilla to avoid defeat with a 22Bet bonus of up to 122 $/€ is the smart bet. They only lost one of their five most recent friendlies, and that was a narrow 2-1 defeat against a strong Bayer Leverkusen side.

Rayo Vallecano’s buildup to the campaign has been chaotic, with uncertainty over where they’ll play their home games due to problems at the Estadio Vallecas. The new coach has also struggled to make his mark, with the final pre-season outing ending in a heavy 3-0 defeat to Ipswich.

Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Under 2 goals
  • Odds: 2.11 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: J6FXJ

Neither side have any convincing options in the striker role. Sevilla’s Isaac Romero has finished each of the last three La Liga seasons with just four goals, while Sergio Camello has only struck 17 times across four league campaigns for Rayo.

Backing Under 2 goals offers value here. The previous four meetings between these clubs have produced just six goals in total.

Verdict: Sevilla to win or draw (1.365) — Sevilla 1-0 Rayo Vallecano