Barcelona predicted line-up vs Rayo Vallecano in La Liga | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to face Rayo Vallecano at the Spotify Camp Nou in La Liga later tonight. It is an important game for the Catalan club as they look to keep the momentum going and close out with a win ahead of the international break.

Barcelona are coming off a thumping 7-2 win over Newcastle United. Prior to that, they had secured an equally impressive 5-2 win over Sevilla in La Liga. Having scored 12 goals in the past 2 games, they will be keen to keep the run going.

Hansi Flick needs to get his starting line-up spot on tonight and here is how the team could line-up for this clash.

Predicted Barcelona starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia:

Suffered an injury scare against Newcastle United, which was later cleared. He’ll be keen to keep his team in the game and help them finish on the winning side ahead of linking up with the Spain senior squad for the first time in his career.

Right-back: Xavi Espart:

The La Masia graduate received his first senior start against Sevilla last weekend and held his own in the right-back role. He will be keen to impress Flick further and make a strong case to stay in the first-team picture even after Kounde returns.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi:

Pau Cubarsi has been in excellent form in recent weeks and ever-present in the backline. He will want to continue his good form and close out this stage of the season on a high.

Centre-back: Gerard Martin:

Gerard Martin is coming off arguably his best game in a Barcelona jersey and has had two passing masterclasses in his last couple of games. Center-back seems to suit him well and let’s hope that trend continues against Rayo.

Left-back: Joao Cancelo

Joao Cancelo may not have had the brightest of games against Newcastle United but his time at Barcelona so far has been largely positive. His attacking impetus could help the team against Rayo Vallecano.

CDM: Marc Bernal

Marc Bernal made his first start of the season in February and in just a month, he has gone on to become one of Flick’s most important players. The game against Rayo would be emotional as it is the same opponents against whom his ACL injury happened and he will be determined to have a good game.

CDM: Pedri

Pedri looks to be slowly yet surely getting back to his best after his latest injury. He will be keen to add to his goal tally against Rayo, who are one of his favourite La Liga opponents.

CAM: Olmo

The Olmo-Fermin rotation is expected to continue against Rayo Vallecano and the Spaniard, who has been in very good form, will hope to contribute offensively and have a good game.

RW: Lamine Yamal

After a masterclass against Newcastle United, the teenage maverick will be keen to close out club football on a high before linking up with the Spain squad.

LW: Raphinha

Raphinha has arguably been Barcelona’s best player in their last couple of games but the sheer intensity of it could take a toll on him against Rayo. Regardless, he is likely to start but not get more than an hour of football.

ST: Ferran Torres

Having lost his place in the starting XI in recent weeks, this is an ideal game to ease the Spaniard back in and give Lewandowski a rest after two consecutive starts. It remains to be seen if the shark can return to scoring ways.