Barcelona, after a less-than convincing 0-1 victory over Real Sociedad, will now host Rayo Vallecano.
The last result between these two teams saw Ronald Koeman get sacked. The situation for Barca has changed a lot, since then. From being counted out to being named as the favourites for the UEFA Europa League, Xavi’s side has come a long way.
Now, they have the chance to create a three-point gap between themselves and Sevilla. And to make amends for their recent disappointments against Frankfurt, and Cadiz at home, the timing of this clash could not have been better.
It is evident that Xavi’s mojo has been to fight until the end by playing good football. There is a feeling that Xavi is focusing on building a winning-mentality in the Barca dressing room. For a team that is relatively young, every game has been a challenge for them.
For Rayo, every game this season has been to stay clear of the relegation zone. They have done well so far and are currently seven points clear of the drop zone, having played a game less. A victory will be crucial for them at this stage.
Barcelona Team News
Pedri, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti, and Moussa Wague are all out for this game.
Ronald Araujo did have some discomfort against Sociedad but that has proven to be a false alarm.
Barcelona Predicted XI vs Vallecano (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre Ter Stegen has been growing in confidence since the start of the season. The German shot stopper looks close to regaining his best form. He made some crucial saves in the dying embers at Sociedad. Ter Stegen is the reason why Barca were able to walk away with a win. The 29-year-old will start between the sticks on Sunday.
Defence
Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia will be the two central defenders. Pique is likely to start from the bench.
Sergino Dest also showed signs of discomfort on Friday but he has been named in the squad. He will start from the bench. Dani Alves will take the right defensive flank.
Jordi Alba will start as the left-back. The Spaniard is enjoying one of his best seasons as a Barca player, this term.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets will play as the holding midfielder. That said, recent games have shown that Busquets is vulnerable against teams that transit quickly.
Frenkie De Jong will start as the right central midfielder. The Dutchman has been looking good under Xavi. Hopefully for Los Cules, he will continue his good form against Vallecano on Sunday.
Gavi will start as the left central midfielder. The 17-year-old’s versatility has been an asset for Xavi this season. He was also directly responsible for his side’s solitary goal against Sociedad.
Attack
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang will start as the striker. The former Arsenal man has been red hot for Xavi since joining in January. He already has nine goals in La Liga from only 11 appearances. He has been crucial for Barca since joining this past winter.
Ousmane Dembele will play to the right of Aubameyang. The Frenchman has been revived at Barca by Xavi. Post the January-saga, Dembele has hit red hot form for the Blaugrana. He is second in the assists tally with 11 assists from 16 appearances. His performance will be vital on Sunday, in determining the outcome of the game.
Ferran Torres will start as the left-winger. Torres has the highest G/A for Barcelona since January. The Spaniard can improve on his finishing but he still has time. He knows where and how to find those empty spaces. The final product will come from the Spaniard, soon enough.
Ter Stegen
Alves Araujo Garcia Alba
De Jong Busquets Gavi
Dembele Aubameyang Torres