Barcelona are again on the street for his or her third and remaining La Liga match earlier than the primary worldwide break of the season because the reigning champions journey to Madrid to face Rayo Vallecano on the Vallecas Stadium.
The Blaugrana received their opening two matches however nonetheless haven’t performed their finest soccer, and can should be at their prime stage towards a really well-coached Rayo aspect that at all times causes Barça issues at their residence.
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Right here’s how we predict Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Sunday’s battle.
Protection
Barça’s protection conceded twice final week and haven’t been precisely a fortress within the first two video games, and Hansi Flick might make a couple of modifications to his backline as he searches for an excellent defensive mixture.
We predict Jules Kounde will make his first begin of the season at right-back, however that doesn’t imply Eric García will probably be benched as we predict the defender will companion Pau Cubarsí at center-back, with Cubarsí shifting again to his favourite proper aspect of the central pairing and Eric going to the left. Alejandro Balde will stay at left-back, although we will’t fully rule out a begin for Gerard Martín who has lastly been registered.
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Midfield
Frenkie de Jong missed final weekend’s journey to Levante as a result of beginning of his second youngster, however the Dutchman was a full participant in coaching this week and can return to the lineup as Pedri’s companion within the double pivot.
Flick went with 4 forwards final week with Raphinha because the quantity 10, however we predict the coach will return to a extra conventional three-midfield setup and begin Dani Olmo in behind the striker, with Fermín López more than likely coming off the bench given all of the rumors surrounding his future. Gavi is a doubt attributable to a knee concern, and we predict Marc Casadó will return to the bench after a subpar efficiency in his first begin final week.
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Assault
Barça’s assault as soon as once more struggled to complete their probabilities within the first half final week, however got here alive and carried out a lot better within the second half. Marcus Rashford began and performed comparatively properly however was changed at halftime towards Levante, and we predict the Englishman will return to the bench with Flick going with three midfielders on this one.
Raphinha will return to the left from the beginning, with Lamine Yamal on the appropriate and Ferran Torres retaining his spot up entrance after two sturdy performances to begin the season.
Potential XI: Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran (4-2-3-1)
How do you suppose Barcelona ought to line up towards Rayo? Tell us your ideas, predictions and groups within the feedback under!