Joao Cancelo, Ilkay Gundogan, and Raphinha will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to secure the second spot in the standings when they welcome Rayo Vallecano to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday evening. And Xavi Hernandez does not have any new issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi are the long-term absentees for the home side. Meanwhile, Xavi is sweating over the fitness of Ronald Araujo, who might miss another game due to his recent issue.
Xavi did not provide any fitness update on his squad during his pre-match press conference. Most of the questions centred around recent speculation surrounding his future. However, the former Spanish international took some time to insist on his faith in his players.
The Barcelona manager said, “I can’t give you any more information. We want to win and compete and secure second place. I have zero doubts that things can go well. I have an extraordinary core of players in the squad, with people from La Masia who have consolidated their position. I’m still eager and excited. Barça is the club of my life.”
Xavi will make a few changes to the Barcelona starting lineup from the game against Almeria earlier this week. Joao Cancelo should replace Hector Fort in the left-back berth. The Portuguese international will join Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde in the backline. Meanwhile, there is no looking past Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Ilkay Gundogan should replace Pedri after missing the game against Almeria due to a suspension. The veteran midfielder will accompany Fermin Lopez and Andreas Christensen in the middle of the park, with Pedri being an option on the bench.
The final change in the starting lineup will have Raphinha returning on the left flank, with Ferran Torres making way. The Brazilian international will join Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal in the final third. So, Torres, Joao Felix, and Vitor Roque will be options on the bench for the home side.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Cancelo; Fermin, Christensen, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Joao Cancelo, Ilkay Gundogan, and Raphinha will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to secure the second spot in the standings when they welcome Rayo Vallecano to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday evening. And Xavi Hernandez does not have any new issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi are the long-term absentees for the home side. Meanwhile, Xavi is sweating over the fitness of Ronald Araujo, who might miss another game due to his recent issue.
Xavi did not provide any fitness update on his squad during his pre-match press conference. Most of the questions centred around recent speculation surrounding his future. However, the former Spanish international took some time to insist on his faith in his players.
The Barcelona manager said, “I can’t give you any more information. We want to win and compete and secure second place. I have zero doubts that things can go well. I have an extraordinary core of players in the squad, with people from La Masia who have consolidated their position. I’m still eager and excited. Barça is the club of my life.”
Xavi will make a few changes to the Barcelona starting lineup from the game against Almeria earlier this week. Joao Cancelo should replace Hector Fort in the left-back berth. The Portuguese international will join Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde in the backline. Meanwhile, there is no looking past Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Ilkay Gundogan should replace Pedri after missing the game against Almeria due to a suspension. The veteran midfielder will accompany Fermin Lopez and Andreas Christensen in the middle of the park, with Pedri being an option on the bench.
The final change in the starting lineup will have Raphinha returning on the left flank, with Ferran Torres making way. The Brazilian international will join Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal in the final third. So, Torres, Joao Felix, and Vitor Roque will be options on the bench for the home side.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Cancelo; Fermin, Christensen, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha