La Liga, Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona Dream11 Prediction, Lineup and Fantasy Football Tips

Barcelona will aim to secure their third consecutive win in the 2024-25 La Liga season as they prepare to face Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday night. Under the guidance of head coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona has had a strong start to their campaign, having already secured victories against Valencia and Athletic Bilbao. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano, managed by Iñigo Perez, has also shown promise with four points from their first two matches.

Rayo Vallecano kicked off their season impressively with a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad, followed by a goalless draw against Getafe. The team has a challenging schedule ahead, with back-to-back home games against Barcelona and Espanyol before resuming action against Osasuna post the international break.

Rayo has been a solid mid-table team since their return to La Liga, finishing 12th, 11th, and 17th in their last three seasons. Despite finishing just five points clear of the relegation zone last season, Rayo has strengthened their squad with five new signings. However, they also saw the departure of Andrés Martín to Racing Santander.

In recent years, Rayo Vallecano has proven to be a difficult opponent for Barcelona, winning three of their last six La Liga encounters. However, their last match against Barcelona in May ended in a 3-0 defeat.

Barcelona has also started the season strongly, following up a 2-1 victory over Valencia with another 2-1 win against Athletic Bilbao. Despite off-field issues, including efforts to register new signing Dani Olmo, Barcelona has shown resilience, with Robert Lewandowski continuing his excellent form.

Historically, Barcelona has struggled against Rayo in recent years, failing to secure a win in five La Liga matches between October 2021 and November 2023. However, they enter Tuesday’s match as favorites, aware that a win is crucial to keeping pace with rivals Real Madrid.

Form

Rayo Vallecano La Liga form: WD

Barcelona La Liga form: WW

Rayo Vallecano Starting XI

Cárdenas; Balliu, Lejeune, Mumin, Espino; Valentín, Ciss; De Frutos, Palazón, Embarba; Garcia

Rayo Vallecano will be without Andrei Ratiu due to a muscular injury but otherwise have a full squad available. Given the quick turnaround between matches, some changes are expected, with Isi Palazón potentially starting in the number 10 role and Sergio Camello or Garcia leading the line.

Barcelono Starting XI

Ter Stegen; Koundé, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Balde; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, F. Lopez, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Barcelona faces more significant injury concerns, with Andreas Christensen, Ansu Fati, Ronald Araújo, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi all sidelined. There is also uncertainty over whether Dani Olmo will be registered in time to feature, although even if available, he is unlikely to start due to a lack of match fitness. Fermin Lopez could replace Ferran Torres in what might be the only change from the team that defeated Athletic Bilbao.

Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona Dream11 Prediction

GK: Ter Stegen

DEF: Lejeune, Espino, Koundé, Iñigo Martínez, Balde

MID: Raphinha, Yamal, Palazón

FW: Lewandowski, Garcia

Who will win today’s La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona?

Rayo Vallecano has made a commendable start to the season and has historically troubled Barcelona. However, the Catalan giants’ quality and depth should see them secure a narrow victory, continuing their perfect start to the 2024-25 campaign.