LALIGA
Rayo Vallecano return to LaLiga against Sevilla
Rayo return to LaLiga after a two-year absence and have a new-look stadium and an attacking coach to help them remain in the division with Sevilla first up.
It's not just another season in Vallecas. It's Rayo Vallecano's first back in Primera after a two-year absence. Their first opponent is a tricky on too with Sevilla travelling to the outskirts of Madrid for their opening game in LaLiga. Sevilla have five games under their belt and we will get to see a highly-rated manager in Pablo Machin take charge of his first league game with his new side along with Michel, a man who learned a lot from Paco Jemez' style of play.
Rayo are still a work in progress with at least four more signings yet to arrive. Michel, former Rayo player, needs to shore up his goal and needs a striker too. Sevilla are close to signing Maxime Gonalons, but still need a few signings to make Pablo Machin happy with his squad after losing Steven N'Zonzi to AS Roma recently.
Michel will rely on the same formula that got Rayo promoted, high pressure and lots of possession although that might change slightly depending on the opposition. Luis Advincula looks like he will start, Jordi Amat could act as the pivot with Alvaro Medran and Jose Pozo either side of him while Oscar Trejo could play as a false nine with Adrian Embarba and Gael Kakuta flanking him.
Machin has all of his signings including Andre Silva, who arrived this summer from AC Milan. he will remain faithful to his back five set-up. Pablo Sarabia, the Madrid native, is their most productive striker, but his future at the club is uncertain.
Rayo Vallecano have signed up a record 13,000 new season ticket holders and have carried out works in their stadium including a brand new pitch. They tested the pitch on Thursday for training and it looks to be in perfect condition for the visit of the Andalusians.
