Hansi Flick will have been rubbing his hands together over the weekend as league leaders and bitter rivals Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Osasuna. If his team can make it seven wins from nine tonight, they can leapfrog both Madrid sides and on to the top of the pile on goal difference in what is fast becoming the best title race in European football this season.
To do so, the hosts must overcome an imposing Rayo side. Iñigo Pérez has led a team which narrowly avoided relegation last season to sixth in the table going into this contest. Very few would have anticipated that Rayo could even achieve a top-half finish but their overachievement this season has taught the bigger sides in Spain not to underestimate them. They come into this game on the back of three consecutive wins and are unbeaten in the league since the 1st of December.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Team News
Flick will be unable to call on Fermin Lopez, who is suspended after being sent off in their last match against Sevilla. He will sit in the stands with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christiansen, who are all injured.
The visitors are without Unai Lopez and Sergio Camello, who both came off with injuries against Valladolid last time out. Meanwhile, Joni Montiel is also out with a muscle problem.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Possible Lineups
The injured Araujo could be replaced in the backline by the young Pau Cubarsi. Besides that, Flick should have all his big hitters out there for what could prove a pivotal evening for their title aspirations.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sczcesny; Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Balde; de Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Randy Kteka is back from suspension and should go straight back into the attack, while Pedro Diaz could get a start in midfield.
Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria; Pedro Diaz, Ciss; de Frutos, Palazon, Garcia; Kteka
Be sure to head back to Sporticos an hour before kick-off to get updated official lineups and other stats.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction
Barcelona will likely come away with a narrow win and the reason for that is a testament to what Perez and his team have achieved so far this season. Their form will not allow Hansi Flick and his team to look past them. The hosts know they will have to be at their best, and with Real Madrid in their crosshairs, they should be motivated and switched on. Expect a home win but it likely won't come easy against a miserly and very well-organised Vallecano side.
Prediction: Barcelona 1 - 0 Rayo Vallecano
This game could be pivotal in the La Liga title race and is an absolute must-watch for all European football fans.
Fans in the UK can watch Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano completely FREE on TV or via live streaming on ITV or the ITV X app. The game is also available on Premier Sports or LaLigaTV.
