Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona Preview: Team News & Prediction
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This one has the potential to be a bit of a thriller in the capital city as Rayo Vallecano take on defending champions Barcelona at Vallecas on Sunday.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Rayo Vallecano preview: Intense Rayo
Rayo Vallecano managed to finish the season eighth and qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League, which they have progressed through the playoff round by hammering Belarusian minnows Neman Grodno in midweek.
Inigo Perez is playing an intense and aggressive style of football that could lead to Rayo suffering from a fair bit of fatigue this season with the balance of domestic and European commitments that they now have.
Barcelona preview: Brilliant Blaugrana
Hansi Flick has had to once again deal with off-field financial uncertainty at Barcelona, with issues over registration, but the Blaugrana have been able to register new signings Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford, as they seek to defend their domestic double.
Barca started their campaign with an impressive 3-0 demolition of Real Mallorca in the Balearic Islands on the opening day, before then having to come from 2-0 down at half-time to defeat newly-promoted Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia.
Rayo Vallecano team news: Rotated Rayo
Rayo have been smart in their clash with Neman Grodno, and they have already been rotating, so they will likely be at their strongest for the visit of Barcelona this weekend.
Predicted XI (4-5-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Luiz Felipe, Pep Chavarria; Isi Palazon, Ciss, Unai Lopez, Pablo Diaz, Alvaro Garcia; Jorge de Frutos
Unavailable: Mumin (Injured)
Questionable:
Barcelona team news: No need to change
There is no need to change for Barcelona this weekend, albeit there are suggestions that Chelsea are trying to sign midfielder Fermin Lopez before the end of the transfer window.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alex Balde; Marc Casado, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Unavailable: Ter Stegen (Injured), Marc Bernal (Injured), Dani Rodriguez (Injured)
Questionable: Gavi (Injured)
Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona prediction
In the tight and hostile atmosphere of Vallecas, Rayo Vallecano will be as intense as ever as they welcome the Catalan giants to the capital city. Barcelona have often been susceptible to teams that go at their high-line, and that is what Rayo will aim to do, and this one has the potential to be a thriller, with Barca remaining the favourites bit Rayo more than capable of bloodying their nose.
Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona tip: Barcelona to win & both teams to score
