Three talking points as Barcelona prepare to take on Rayo Vallecano in La Liga | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to take on Rayo Vallecano in La Liga at Spotify Camp Nou. The Catalan club have been in excellent form in recent weeks and will want to maintain that momentum by securing all three points against the visitors.

Rayo are a very difficult team to face, but with this game taking place at Camp Nou, Barcelona should be fairly confident. They will be keen to handle the intensity the opposition bring to the table.

Hansi Flick needs to get his starting XI spot on against Rayo. He may want to make some rotations, but with the international break coming straight after, it would not be a surprise to see him make very few changes from the side that faced Newcastle.

With all this in mind, here are three talking points as Barcelona prepare to face Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.

Can the goal streak continue?

Barcelona have scored 12 goals in their last two games against Sevilla and Newcastle United. The attack has been firing, and the team have been playing at a very high level. They will be keen to produce more of the same.

Raphinha, in particular, has been in red-hot form. The Brazilian has scored five goals in his last couple of games, including a hat-trick against Sevilla. He will be eager to add to that tally and maintain his momentum against Rayo.

Lamine and Robert Lewandowski have also performed well. Fermin and Olmo are giving Hansi Flick a selection headache, with both attacking midfielders performing at a high level whenever given the chance.

If there is one thing Barcelona will want from this game, though, it is a return to form for Ferran Torres. The Spaniard has lost his scoring touch, and we will have to wait and see whether he can rediscover it against Rayo.

Xavi Espart, another opportunity?

There is always something heart-warming about a player coming through La Masia and getting chances in the first team. The latest to join that long list under Hansi Flick is Xavi Espart, who has featured in the last three games.

Two of those have been substitute appearances and one was a start. Against Rayo, with Eric Garcia effectively ruled out, there is a good chance Hansi Flick chooses to start the Spanish teenager once again.

Xavi has shown his quality and associative play in the limited opportunities he has had so far. He looks very comfortable on the ball, links up well with Lamine Yamal and, at the same time, manages to hold his own defensively.

A good performance tonight could go a long way towards strengthening his case to stay with the first team. Jules Kounde is expected to be back after the international break, and Xavi will be keen to remain in Hansi Flick’s plans and earn more opportunities.

A chance to put pressure on Real Madrid

Barcelona kick off ahead of Real Madrid on this matchday and have the chance to go seven points clear of their title rivals. Los Blancos have a difficult game against Atletico Madrid, which could swing either way.

Despite Atletico effectively giving up on the league and making a number of rotations, they will still be keen to beat Real Madrid. Barcelona, then, can really increase the pressure by beating Rayo Vallecano.

However, Barcelona cannot afford to let that distract them. The only thing they can control is playing well and securing the three points. If that happens, the pressure automatically mounts on Arbeloa’s side.

It remains to be seen how Barcelona perform and whether they can move seven points clear before a ball is kicked in the Madrid derby.