Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano: Preview and possible line-ups
We look ahead to the La Liga clash between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano from the Camp Nou!
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona
Valverde's starting XI could be heavily influenced by the crucial Champions League second leg against Lyon coming up this week. Ousmane Dembele, Leo Messi and Luis Suarez are expected to be the front three, however, but should the manager opt to rest one of them then Philippe Coutinho will be available to step in.
Arthur could return in central midfield having recovered from injury, while Samuel Umititi should start alongside Gerard Pique in central defence due to Clement Lenglet's domestic suspension. Long-term absentees Thomas Vermaelen and Rafinha will again miss out.
Rayo Vallecano
Raul de Tomas, on loan from Real Madrid, will lead the line in this one, accompanied by Adri Embarba and Oscar Trejo. Midfielder Gorka Elustondo will miss out with injury however, while centre-back Abdoulaye Ba is suspended due to picking up a red card last time out against Girona.
MANAGERS' THOUGHTS
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde on squad rotation and the remainder of the season:
"It's likely there will be some changes against Rayo. We've had the week off and there are four days [until the Champions League game against Lyon]. We will be careful with some players, but we will look at it."
“As the season reaches its climax every game is tougher. There are fewer games left and as teams set their targets tension starts to build up.”
Rayo Vallecano manager Michel on his side's approach to the game and his own future:
"We will go to the Camp Nou as Ajax went to the Bernabeu. They went there with nothing to lose, just like we will against Barcelona."
"I am the best man for the job. I have the feeling I will be finish the season here [as manager]."
FORM GUIDE
DID YOU KNOW?
The last time these two met at the Camp Nou was in October 2015, when Barcelona ran out 5-2 winners.
Five Rayo Vallecano players have been sent off in their last five La Liga games against Barcelona.
Barcelona have won their last 12 meetings with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, and if they win here it would be their best streak against an opponent in the competition.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Arthur, Busquets, Rakitic; Dembele, L Suarez, Messi.
Rayo Vallecano: Dimitrievski; Amat, Galvez, Velazquez; Advincula, M Suarez, Comesana, Moreno; Embarba, De Tomas, Trejo.