FC Barcelona enjoys a seven-point advantage over second-placed Atletico Madrid and are in commanding position to retain the La Liga Santander trophy. After two consecutive El Clasico victories, it would not be wrong to state that the Catalan side are in the middle of a purple patch.
On Matchday 27 of La Liga 2018/19, Ernesto Valverde’s men would play host to the relegation-threatened Rayo Vallecano. The side based in the Spanish capital have only amassed 23 points in 26 La Liga fixtures this season. Getting out of the drop zone seems a very uphill task for Los Vallecanos keeping in mind their recent run of form.
Barcelona have their UEFA Champions League fixture coming up mid-week, and a few changes are expected to the starting eleven that started at the Santiago Bernabeu last weekend.
Clement Lenglet is suspended for this fixture, and Samuel Umtiti is most likely to slot in for him. Arthur has made a full recovery from injury after a long spell out. Rafinha and Thomas Vermaelen continue to remain unavailable for selection.
Here how we at T4O feel Barcelona would line-up to face Rayo at Camp Nou.
Defence
Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Barcelona’s hero from last weekend, will continue to be in command between the sticks. Sergi Roberto is expected to start at the right back position.
Gerard Pique, who has picked up form lately would be partnered by Samuel Umtiti. The World-Cup winner had been out for a decent span of time before returning from injury in Barcelona’s 2-3 victory at Sevilla. Without a doubt, the left-back position would be occupied by Jordi Alba.
Midfield
Arthur is expected to start in midfield. It would be an excellent opportunity for the Brazilian to flex his skills and passing attributes following a long injury lay-off. The 22-year-old would be accompanied by the ever reliant duo of Sergi Busquets and Ivan Rakitic. The Croatian scored the winner in last weekend’s fixture against Real Madrid.
Attack
Lionel Messi is expected to start this fixture alongside Luis Suarez. It is likely that the ageing duo would be taken off around the hour mark to be given sufficient rest for Barcelona’s mid-week clash against Lyon. The final spot in the eleven would be contested by Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho. The former Liverpool man has seemed off-form, and this could be an excellent opportunity for him to get things going again.
Predicted Line-Up
Ter Stegen
Roberto – Pique – Umtiti – Alba
Arthur – Busquets – Rakitic
Messi – Suarez – Coutinho
