Barcelona are gearing up for another La Liga test against Rayo Vallecano, and all eyes are on Hansi Flick’s team selection as the Catalan giants look to maintain their perfect start to the campaign. Barça have already beaten Elche 5-0 and Athletic Club 2-0, scoring seven goals without conceding.
Now, Flick’s men have the opportunity to make it three wins from three at the Camp Nou. 🏟️🔥
The biggest selection question is whether Rodri will finally make his first Barcelona start. The Spanish midfielder made his Barça debut from the bench against Athletic Club after recovering from a minor back operation, and reports suggest he is now pushing strongly for a place in the starting XI.
🧤 Joan García between the posts
Joan García is expected to continue in goal after an impressive beginning to his Barcelona career. The goalkeeper has helped Barça keep consecutive clean sheets in their opening two league matches. 🧤🧱
🛡️ Defence could see one major change
Flick may decide to keep the defensive structure largely intact, although Andreas Christensen could replace Gerard Martín alongside Pau Cubarsí at centre-back.
Xavi Espart has also impressed early in the campaign, while Eric García has been tipped to continue at right-back.
⚙️ Rodri knocking on the door
The midfield is where things get REALLY interesting. 👀
Rodri’s arrival gives Flick another elite option in the middle of the park, and his physical presence, passing range and ability to control the tempo could completely change Barcelona’s balance.
However, another predicted XI suggests Flick could still stick with Marc Bernal, Fermín López and Pedri, particularly after the trio helped Barça control the game against Athletic.
⚡ Yamal and Raphinha ready to cause chaos
Up front, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha remain two of Barcelona’s biggest weapons.
Raphinha has already started the season flying, scoring against Athletic after also finding the net twice against Elche. He has been one of Flick’s most dangerous attacking outlets, while Yamal continues to provide creativity, pace and unpredictability from the right.
Anthony Gordon could also retain his place after making his Barcelona debut against Athletic, while Karim Adeyemi remains another explosive option capable of changing the game from the bench.
🔵🔴 One possible Barcelona XI
🧤 Joan García
🛡️ Eric García | Pau Cubarsí | Andreas Christensen | Xavi Espart
⚙️ Marc Bernal | Pedri | Fermín López
🔥 Lamine Yamal | Raphinha | Anthony Gordon
But there is another spicy possibility: Rodri could come straight into the starting XI, with Flick using a 4-2-3-1 system and giving the World Cup winner his first taste of starting football in Barcelona colours.
Whatever Flick decides, Barcelona are entering the clash with serious momentum. Seven goals scored, zero conceded and two victories already in the bag. 😮💨🔥
Rayo Vallecano, meanwhile, arrive looking for answers after a defeat and a draw in their opening two matches. Their manager Beñat San José has praised Flick’s work but knows his side will need to exploit Barcelona’s weaknesses if they are to cause an upset.
👀 Rodri starts or stays on the bench?
🔥 Which Barcelona XI would YOU pick against Rayo Vallecano? 🔵🔴👇
