Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano – 2021/22 match preview, predicted lineups

Barcelona will play a crucial match against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga as the season nears it’s conclusion. Both teams will be looking for a win here.

Kick-off : 9:00 PM (Local)

Venue : Camp Nou, Barcelona

Barca though disappointed they are not going to win the La Liga this season, will be content with a second-place finish. They are also out of European competitions.

Barca are currently 2nd in the points table after 32 games with 63 points. They are ahead of Sevilla and Atletico Madrid by at least two points having played a game less.

Manager Xavi uses the 4-3-3 system and he will use it to full effect against Rayo Vallecano to ease to win.

On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano are having an ok campaign as they bid to avoid relegation.

The Vallecans are currently 14th in the points table after 32 games with 37 points. They are ahead of eighteenth placed Granada by seven points with a game in hand.

Boss Iraola will likely use a 4-2-3-1 formation and it remains to be seen whether it will come to fruition away against a side like Barca.

Barcelona are ahead in terms of the head to head against Rayo Vallecano by a distance having won 13 games to just 1 of the visitors out of the 14 played.

Team news and possible lineups

Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti and Pedri are all unavailable for Barca for the weekend’s fixture.

As for Rayo Vallecano, Martin Merquelanz and Esteban Saveljich will both be unavailable. While Ivan Balliu is available and will likely play.

Barcelona XI : Ter Stegen, Dest, E. García, Lenglet, Alba, Gavi, Busquets, F. de Jong, Dembele, Aubameyang, Ferran.

Rayo Vallecano XI : Dimitrievski, Balliu, Maras, Catena, F. García, Valentin, Comesana, Isi, Trejo, A. García, Guardiola.

Prediction

I expect it to be a tightly fought game but Barcelona to prevail in the end. They might win 3-1.