FC Barcelona face Rayo Vallecano away from home at the Estadio de Vallecas in what is a fixture that could see Barcelona extend their lead at the top of the table to 14 points.
Xavi starts with his now standard variation of a 4-3-3, utilizing the involvement of a possible winger combination that has allowed his team to dominate proceedings in the middle of the field on multiple occasions before as well.
Starting in goal is the German keeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen, who continues his remarkable form in what can be a record-breaking season for both player and club. Should he manage a clean sheet tonight, it would be a historic 24 clean sheets for Barcelona number 1 this season.
In defense, Jules Kounde starts off at right-back while his partner on the opposite flank of the defense is the young Alejandro Balde. In the central lanes, Player of the Month nominee Ronald Araujo is paired with Spanish veteran Marcos Alonso. These 4 complete the defensive line.
In midfielder, Gavi starts as he did last time around against Atletico Madrid, and he is paired with a returning Pedri, whose introduction is sure to revitalize both the team itself and the fans that support it. In the pivot position, with Busquets suspended, it is Frenkie De Jong who rounds off the midfield.
Finally, the forward line is composed of Robert Lewandowski, with Raphinha on the right wing beside him and Ferran Torres on the left wing. That completes the starting eleven for Xavi Hernandez against Rayo Vallecano.
