FC Barcelona at least return to league action after an exhausting international break. The Catalan club has been awaiting this opportunity to showcase some newfound motivation. Recent games prior to the break were not all promising, but Barcelona will want to turn their fortunes around.
The Blaugranes face off against Rayo Vallecano at the Vallecas this time. Xavi Hernandez knows that a lot of tension surrounds Barça at the moment, and a victory here could do them a world of good.
Despite his bad fortunes against Rayo, the return of Pedri and De Jong could be crucial. On the contrary, the loss of both Gavi and Marc Andre Ter Stegen to injuries will be a sour blow.
Xavi will want his team to improve and knowing the assets that he has at his disposal, he has managed to field a strong XI. FC Barcelona have now officially released their starting XI to take on Rayo Vallecano away from home.
In goal, with Ter Stegen out injured, Inaki Pena gets the start. The Spaniard will be involved in his first official game of the season. Expectations are understandably high, but a player at Barcelona should always know how to meet them.
Ahead of him in the defense, Andreas Christensen and Inigo Martinez form the central duo in the heart of the defensive structure. Their ball-playing and defensive solidity will be crucial for Barcelona in this game.
On either side of them, Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde start as the primary fullbacks. The Portuguese takes his position on the right while the Spaniard takes charge of the left-hand side of the defense.
The midfield was undoubtedly going to see some changes. Pedri starts alongside Frenkie De Jong and Oriol Romeu. Gavi’s injury forces Xavi to make some alterations, but he is lucky to find such great talents to make those changes with.
De Jong’s return is a bit surprising in the starting XI, but fans of Barcelona will be eager to see their captain back in action.
Lastly, the frontline sees Robert Lewandowski remain the spearhead of the attack. His brace against Alaves last time out was key to getting Barcelona the victory.
Spanish forward Ferran Torres starts as the left-winger following an impressive run of form with Spain, while Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal starts as the primary right-winger.
