Official: Barcelona name starting XI for Rayo Vallecano clash | La Liga | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be kicking off their game against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga shortly. The Catalan giants, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, will be looking to get all three points from this fixture and continue their winning streak to three consecutive games.

However, this particular opponent is notorious for being a tough side to beat regardless of where the match is being held. For this particular encounter, Flick’s side will need to be at their very best to ensure that they can come away with a victory.

Here is the official starting eleven announced by Barça for this league clash.

In goal, Joan Garcia starts as the team’s undisputed number one option between the sticks. He has already managed to keep two clean sheets this season, and he will now be looking to make it three in a row if possible.

Ahead of him, Pau Cubarsi and Andreas Christensen have been chosen to start as the team’s two centre-backs. Both players have been solid this season so far, and Flick will be trusting them to protect Joan Garcia’s goal and make life difficult for the Rayo Vallecano forwards.

On the flanks, Xavi Espart and Jules Kounde start to provide width and support to both their forwards and their fellow defenders. Their roles will be crucial in this game, and they will have to ensure that they are sharp defensively and creative offensively.

In the midfield, Pedri and Marc Bernal start as the team’s two-man pivot. Both players will have their own unique role to play, and they both have the quality to complete dominate this game and set the tempo of proceedings.

As for the attack, Dani Olmo starts as the team’s central attacking midfielder and he will be eager to prove himself and showcase his own quality as well following some very impressive performances from Fermin Lopez in recent games.

Across the attacking trident, the trio of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Anthony Gordon will be looking to threaten the Rayo Vallecano goal and wreak as much havoc as possible. Given their versatility across the frontline, it will be interesting to see just how fluid this Barcelona attack is throughout the game.