Barcelona predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano - La Liga | OneFootball

Barcelona play their final home game of the 2023/24 season when they entertain Rayo Vallecano against a backdrop of intense speculation surrounding the future of manager Xavi.

The legendary midfielder's U-turn over his decision to quit at the end of the season came after a major upturn in results, but his words in a recent press conference are said to have angered club officials like president Joan Laporta.

Reports now claim Xavi could be sacked in the summer, but first he has two more games this term to preside over. Second place in La Liga is almost wrapped up, with Girona four points behind the Catalans.

Here's the side Barca could put out for their clash with Vallecano on Sunday.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-3-3)

Lopez should be rewarded for his brace in midweek / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen - A lengthy injury spell aside, it's been another strong season for the German shot-stopper, who has picked up 14 clean sheets in 26 La Liga outings.

RB: Jules Kounde - Has spent another campaign at right-back but could be on the move in the summer with five clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea showing an interest.

CB: Pau Cubarsi - Regardless of whether Xavi stays in place as manager, Cubarsi looks set for many more Barca appearances after breaking into the first-team squad.

CB: Ronald Araujo - The Uruguayan is another whose future is never too far from the Spanish broadsheets. Man Utd are even said to be considering a swap deal involving Mason Mount.

LB: Joao Cancelo - Has scooped three assists in La Liga this season, four adrift of his career-best for a season of seven with Manchester City back in 2021/22.

CM: Fermin Lopez - Scored a brace on Thursday night in Barca's 2-0 win over Almeria and should be rewarded with another chance to impress.

CM: Andreas Christensen - Has been stationed in front of defence due to Barca's injury issues and will most likely want to return to central defence next season - whether it's in Catalonia or elsewhere.

CM: Pedri - The 21-year-old is Barca's crown jewel in midfield but they must figure out how to stop overworking him. Should Pedri start on Sunday, it'll be just the 16th time he's done so in La Liga this season.

RW: Lamine Yamal - A similar problem faces Barca with young prodigy Yamal, who rattled in the opener during the 2-0 win over Real Sociedad on Monday.

ST: Robert Lewandowski - There may be mystery over his future at Barca, but Lewandowski was recently handed a firm rebuttal over his desire for a retrospective Ballon d'Or trophy by France Football.

LW: Raphinha - Was said to have grown frustrated with life at Barca a few months ago but has finished the season strongly and has more assists (nine) in La Liga than any of his teammates.