Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Barcelona will hope to secure second place in La Liga when they entertain Rayo Vallecano in their penultimate game of the 2023/24 La Liga season on Sunday.

It's been another term of whirlwind drama for Barca, with speculation once again mounting over the future of manager Xavi after a campaign with no silverware and back-and-forth jibes with club officials.

Vallecano, meanwhile, managed to end a three-game winless streak last time out but have not scored in any of their last five away league matches.

Here's 90min's preview of Sunday's upcoming clash.

Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano on TV and live stream

Barcelona team news

Gundogan is available again / Alex Caparros/GettyImages

Xavi had to make do without Ilkay Gundogan against Almeria due to suspension, allowing Fermin Lopez to take his chance with two goals in the 2-0 victory on Thursday night.

The young Spaniard could retain his place in the starting XI at the German's expense, but Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Alejandro Balde remain out of contention due to injuries.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Cancelo; Fermin, Christensen, Pedri; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.

Rayo Vallecano team news

Trejo is suspended / Denis Doyle/GettyImages

Vallecano will have some optimism heading into Sunday's clash, having gone unbeaten against Barca in their last five meetings.

They are without midfielder Oscar Trejo due to suspension but there should be starts for bright attackers Isi Palazon and Sergio Camello.

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-5-1): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Mumin, Lejeune, Espino; Palazon, Lopez, Ciss, Valentin, Frutos; Camello.

Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano score prediction

There might be all sorts of off-field drama once again dominating the headlines around Barca, but they were efficient enough to secure a 2-0 win last time out and may be successful by the same scoreline this weekend.

Vallecano can point towards their recent good run against Barca and managed to hold their illustrious opponents to a draw in the first meeting earlier this season, but the midfield threat of Fermin and Yamal's genius wing play should be enough to earn the hosts all three points.