Predicted Barcelona lineup against Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Barcelona have had a crucial past seven days and came out with mixed results.

The week started with a convincing League win over Valencia. The side then hosted Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League. Though they held on to a 1-0 win, the performance was far from assuring. However, the ship sank in El Clasico as Barcelona fell cheaply to Real Madrid at home.

The pressure on Ronald Koeman once again mounts as Joan Laporta is far from convinced by the results on the pitch. As Xavi waits in the shadows, the coming games will be crucial for the Dutchman to hold onto his job. The work starts against Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de Vallecas.

The hosts are two places ahead of Barcelona in the league standings through Koeman’s side have a game in hand. Andoni Iraola’s side have four wins in the last six games including a dominating win over Athletic Bilbao. Given the tough task ahead, here is how Barcelona can lineup against Rayo Vallecano.

Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen had a reasonable outing in the Clasico but will kick himself for not putting in a stronger effort in the first goal conceded. He will start on Wednesday and will look to return to a clean sheet streak.

Gerard Pique was amongst the most disappointed after the defeat on Sunday. The Captain put up a strong display, but was caught twice on the counter and paid the price. He will look for redemption against Rayo Vallecano.

Eric Garcia was blamed for both the goals against Carlo Ancelloti’s side. The youngster could not track back in time for Alaba’s shot and put in a very weak effort in defending the second goal.

As such, we can expect him to be replaced by Clement Lenglet in the heart of the defence. The Frenchman put in a clean shift against Dynamo Kyiv, and will be hoping to build on that tomorrow.

Lenglet has the chance to win back his starting spot from Eric. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Oscar Mingueza has played the opening half in the past two games. The La Masia star put in impressive defensive shifts in both games, and that could be enough to win him another start in the coming game.

Jordi Alba had one of his poorer displays in the last game, playing with an injury. Koeman could take the safer route tomorrow and bench him for Sergino Dest tonight. The spotlight will be on him on Wednesday to see if he can step up his performance.

Midfield

Ronald Koeman faces serious problems in midfield owing to a sudden injury crisis. Pedri faced a setback in his recovery and could be facing a relapse. Moreover, Frenkie de Jong has injured his hamstring and is not included in the squad list.

Sergio Busquets will certainly be in the starting XI. The Spaniard took over the captaincy of the club in a difficult time. He has led from the front and was one of the team’s best players in the Clasico. He will look to lead the midfield through the injury-laden period.

Master at the base of the midfield. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Gavi is certain to start against Rayo Vallecano. The teenager was a menace to Real Madrid’s defence in the first half but slowly faded away as the game progressed. There is much to be learnt for the 17-year-old, but he will look to carry his good form into the coming.

One of the biggest news circulating in Catalonia over the past 24 hours has been around Sergi Roberto. The Spaniard is reportedly close to leaving the club in the coming window with contract talks coming to a halt. Nevertheless, he will start in midfield against Rayo Vallecano.

Forward

Memphis Depay was a bright spot in a dull Clasico for Barcelona. The Dutchman has been in good form this season but has slowed down in front of the goal after a Blistering start. Though he continues to be a menace on the left-wing, he will start as the number 10 against Vallecano in a 4-3-1-2.

Ansu Fati has was deployed as a number 9 in the last game. Though he was the Catalans’ most inspired player in front of goal, there was a feeling that he was excluded from the buildup and action in his new position. Nevertheless, he will likely start as the striker once again, this time in a twin centre-forward system.

Sergio Aguero did not need long in his Clasico debut to score his first goal in the garnet-and-blue colours. The Argentine displayed his hunger for goals and will have a bigger role in coming games, starting tonight, as he is expected to start his first game.

A knack for goals that will never die. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Fati · Aguero Memphis Gavi · Busquets · Roberto Dest · Lenglet · Pique · Mingueza ter Stegen

Substitutes

Luuk de Jong has been far from decent so far for Barcelona, but continues to get appearances off the bench. Tonight is another game where he will almost definitely get some minutes.

Phillipe Coutinho was very involved in the game both offensively and in defence after his introduction at half-time at the weekend. The Brazilian will undoubtedly see minutes on Wednesday.

Riqui Puig could finally see some minutes given the multiple injuries in midfield. He could be the perfect sub in this game if Rayo try to sit back in a deep block. That said, Koeman’s disbelief in him could trump his need in the game.