Barcelona are finishing up their three away games in a row to start of their league campaign. This time they go away to the always difficult Rayo Vallecano. A difficult task on one of the most compliated pitches in the league, Barcelona face one of the toughest away games of their season.
Match Preview
Barcelona has historically struggled against Rayo when they go away to the Estadio de Vallecos, only picking up one win in their last four trips to the ground. Their last game though, was a Barcelona win where Pedri and a debuting Dani Olmo scored the goals to give the Blaugrana a 2-1 win. Barcelona are in good form heading in to this game starting off two for two this season while the Madrid team has one win and one loss in La Liga but have won their qualifying tie for the Conference League.
Having played a match midweek could affect Rayo as it's just a three day turnaround for them. Despite this factor, it still should be a tough matchup for Barcelona as they look to make it three of three to start off the season.
Expected Lineups
Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Felipe, Chavarria; Ciss, Lopez; Isi, Diaz, Garcia; de Frutos
Barcelona: Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
There's a few changes to Barcelona's lineup as many factors are likely to be at play heading in to the game. Kounde replacing Eric Garcia felt like a matter of when and after a tough game for the backline this seems like the perfect time. De Jong gets his place back as Casado didn't impress and Gavi suffered a blow that will keep him out for this game. Fermin Lopez comes in as the 10, replacing Marcus Rashford who played well but comes down to playing Raphinha in his best position.
We saw Hansi Flick give Marc Casado the start after a week of transfer rumors and he could look to do the same with Fermin Lopez after a week with links to Chelsea. The last change is Robert Lewandowski for Ferran Torres the Polish striker is back to full health and should regain his starting spot.
Score Prediction
Barcelona 3-1 Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona have scored three goals in both games this season and that trend continues as the attack is just too potent to stop. Rayo is tricky and will give Barcelona a good fight by keeping it close for most of the game, but Barcelona edge it with a third goal securing the win late.