'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAID/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAb/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAL2Jhf8A/8QAIhAAAgECBQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBBEABxITIQUGJDKi/9oACAEBAAE/AI8s+iU09K1E1ZOuyyNFMI2Dyal0NcjjgNfEuW/b5lc+Ylz67VObfGP/xAAYEQACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgQFUf/aAAgBAgEBPwBrWRp//8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEREv/aAAgBAwEBPwDUUP/Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The 2023-24 edition of La Liga is back in action with another set of matches this weekend as Rayo Vallecano take on Xavi's Barcelona side at the Montjuic on Sunday. Both teams have been inconsistent this season and will want to win this game.
Rayo Vallecano are in 15th place in the La Liga standings and have struggled this season. The away side edged Granada to a 2-1 victory last week and will be confident ahead of this fixture.
Barcelona, on the other hand, are in second place in the league table and have been fairly impressive this season. The Catalan giants defeated Almeria by a 2-0 scoreline in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this weekend.
Trending
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Head-to-Head
Barcelona have an impressive recent record against Rayo Vallecano and have won 15 out of the last 26 matches between the two teams. Rayo Vallecano have managed six victories against Barcelona and will look to cut the deficit in this fixture.
Barcelona form guide: W-W-L-W-L
Rayo Vallecano form guide: W-D-L-L-W
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Team News
Barcelona
Frenkie de Jong has suffered another knock and will not be available for selection this weekend. Gavi and Alejandro Balde are recovering from long-term injuries and have been ruled out of this fixture. Fermin Lopez was impressive against Almeria and could start in this fixture.
Injured: Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Alejandro Balde
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Rayo Vallecano
Oscar Trejo is serving a suspension this weekend and will not be included in the squad. Diego Mendez is currently injured and will not be able to play a part in this fixture.
Injured: Diego Mendez
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Oscar Trejo
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Predicted XI
Barcelona Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Cancelo; Fermin, Christensen, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Rayo Vallecano Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Mumin, Lejeune, Espino; Lopez, Valentin; Palazon, Garcia, De Frutos; Camello
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction
Barcelona have blown hot and cold this season and have a point to prove this weekend. Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi have been revelations this season and will look to prove their mettle this weekend.
Rayo Vallecano can pack a punch on their day and have troubled Barcelona in the past. The Blaugrana are the better team on paper, however, and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Rayo Vallecano
