Official: Barcelona starting lineup to face Rayo Vallecano | Kounde at centre-back, Fermin on bench | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have officially announced their starting eleven that will take on Rayo Vallecano this evening as the club look to extend their winning run to three games in La Liga.

Barça have been heading into this game on the back of intense speculation over the future of Fermin Lopez, while midfielder Gavi picked up an injury.

As a result, Hansi Flick has decided to start Dani Olmo in the advanced midfield role. Olmo will form the creative trifecta alongside Barcelona’s two usual wingers, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Ferran Torres continues to spearhead the Barcelona frontline despite the return of Robert Lewandowski. The Spaniard will be looking to continue his top form heading into the international break.

In midfield, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong continue to form the double-pivot, with additional support from Olmo.

Flick has made key changes in defence as well, with Jules Kounde finally coming back into the starting eleven.

However, instead of replacing Eric Garcia at right-back, Flick has decided to pair him alongside Andreas Christensen in central defence, ahead of Ronald Araujo while Pau Cubarsi has been rested.

This is a significant development, the outcome of which may have huge ramifications for the future of Barcelona’s defence.

Elsewhere, Alejandro Balde continues at left-back while new signing Joan Garcia starts in between the sticks.