How will Barcelona line up against Rayo Vallecano in their next La Liga match?

Barcelona are back on the road for their third and final La Liga match before the first international break of the season as the reigning champions travel to Madrid to face Rayo Vallecano at the Vallecas Stadium.

The Blaugrana won their opening two matches but still haven’t played their best football, and will need to be at their top level against a very well-coached Rayo side that always causes Barça problems at their home.

Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Sunday’s battle.

Defense

Barça’s defense conceded twice last week and haven’t been exactly a fortress in the first two games, and Hansi Flick could make a few changes to his backline as he searches for a good defensive combination.

We think Jules Kounde will make his first start of the season at right-back, but that doesn’t mean Eric García will be benched as we think the defender will partner Pau Cubarsí at center-back, with Cubarsí moving back to his favorite right side of the central pairing and Eric going to the left. Alejandro Balde will remain at left-back, though we can’t completely rule out a start for Gerard Martín who has finally been registered.

Midfield

Frenkie de Jong missed last weekend’s trip to Levante due to the birth of his second child, but the Dutchman was a full participant in training this week and will return to the lineup as Pedri’s partner in the double pivot.

Flick went with four forwards last week with Raphinha as the number 10, but we think the coach will go back to a more traditional three-midfield setup and start Dani Olmo in behind the striker, with Fermín López most likely coming off the bench given all the rumors surrounding his future. Gavi is a doubt due to a knee issue, and we think Marc Casadó will return to the bench after a subpar performance in his first start last week.

Attack

Barça’s attack once again struggled to finish their chances in the first half last week, but came alive and performed much better in the second half. Marcus Rashford started and played relatively well but was replaced at halftime against Levante, and we think the Englishman will return to the bench with Flick going with three midfielders in this one.

Raphinha will return to the left from the start, with Lamine Yamal on the right and Ferran Torres retaining his spot up front after two strong performances to start the season.

Possible XI: Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran (4-2-3-1)

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Rayo? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!