Barcelona will be making the trip to the Spanish capital of Madrid to face off against Rayo Vallecano for the Copa del Rey Round of 16 encounter. The Cules were triumphant against Elche in the La Liga Santander on the weekend. Ronald Koeman would be hoping for a positive result against this Segunda Division side that will ensure his side’s progress into the next stage of the competition.
The Cules will be without at least half a dozen players for this encounter. The likes of Gerard Pique, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, Moussa Wague, Philippe Coutinho, and Sergino Dest are all ruled out of this fixture with their respective injuries. Barcelona are expected to field a slightly weaker side against their second division opponents. Here’s how Barcelona are expected to take to the field –
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up Against Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up Against Rayo Vallecano
Defence
Barcelona’s second-choice goalie, Neto will take command between the sticks on Wednesday evening. The goalie successfully held onto a clean-sheet in his previous outing in the Cup competition. Oscar Mingueza will occupy the right-back slot with Sergio Roberto and Sergino Dest both out injured. Ronald Koeman would be lining up Ronald Araujo and Samuel Umtiti in the heart of Barcelona’s defence. Jordi Alba will occupy the left-back slot despite a series of mediocre performances in recent weeks.
Midfield
Miralem Pjanic will get a much-needed start in midfield after making a few cameo appearances in recent weeks. The former Juventus midfielder will be joined by two young and budding talents in Riqui Puig and Pedri. Pedri has been one of the biggest revelations this season and the sort of performances he has put in is simply commendable. Puig, on the other hand, has struggled for game time and will want to make the most of the minutes that will come his way in this Round of 16 encounter in Madrid.
Attack
Dembele will start on the right-hand side. The Frenchman has seemingly found his rhythm in recent weeks and Ronald Koeman will be entrusting Dembele with the task of unlocking Rayo’s defence with his pace and skills. Martin Braithwaite will be the Catalan’s striker for the night. The attacker has been a bit short on goals lately and Koeman could alternatively give the nod to Fransico Trincao for this fixture. The last slot up for grabs will be secured by Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman will be leading the FC Barcelona attack in the absence of Lionel Messi.
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up Against Rayo Vallecano
