Barcelona predicted line-up vs Rayo Vallecano — De Jong to start in midfield, Lewandowski to return | OneFootball

Up next for FC Barcelona is a La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano. The Catalan giants will be travelling to Vallecas for the game, and it promises to be a challenging encounter. However, Barça have the quality to come out of this game with a win.

Still, it is important to note that Gavi will not be a part of this game. Hansi Flick has already confirmed that the club expects him to return after the international break, but he will remain sidelined for now.

Even then, Flick can field a strong starting eleven for this upcoming game. Here is how Barça could line up for the fixture against Rayo Vallecano.

Predicted Barcelona Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

With two solid performances in La Liga so far, Joan Garcia looks set to start for Barça again. He will be looking for a clean sheet, even though Rayo Vallecano will look to make things difficult.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

While Eric Garcia has performed well so far this season, it might be time for Jules Kounde to start for Barça again. The Frenchman was a crucial part of the team last season, and he will look to reclaim his place again.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

A report recently claimed that Cubarsi could be shifted to the right-sided centre-back position again for this game. It remains to be seen whether or not that happens, but the youngster’s starting position seems to be a guarantee.

Photo Courtesy: The official website of FC Barcelona

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

Now the partner for Cubarsi in defense with Inigo Martinez gone, Ronald Araujo has a lot of things to improve on this season. Fortunately, he has the quality and the experience to ensure that he does that.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

The Spaniard provides a young kind of danger on the left flank, and he can open up spaces all by himself. While his final pass still needs to be more consistent, he is a weapon that Flick will likely want to make use of.

With Gavi injured, it would make sense for Flick to take no risks and go ahead with Frenkie de Jong in midfield. The Dutchman remains one of his most reliable players, and starting him seems to be a likely scenario for the coach.

Consistently one of Barça’s best performers, Pedri is essential for the team. With him in midfield, the team always manages to find a way.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

Instrumental in every game so far, Lamine Yamal could be essential once again. His ability to decide games on his own is priceless, and Barça will need their number ‘10’ to shine in this game.

The Spaniard’s performance last season at Vallecas showcased just how impressive he can be on his day. Thanks to his ability to thrive in tight spaces, this could be a game that favours him.

Impactful so far, the Brazilian forward will look to be a threat once again. With him in the team, Flick can be sure that he will continue to put in effort and energy until the very end of the game.