How will Barcelona line up against Rayo Vallecano?

Barcelona close out the La Liga calendar before the international break on Sunday night when Rayo Vallecano visit Camp Nou, and Hansi Flick is expected to field a near full-strength side to protect the club’s commanding lead at the summit of the table.

With a three-day recovery window since a comfortable second half against Newcastle, fitness concerns are minimal. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia shook off a midweek scare and should retain his place ahead of Wojciech Szczesny, while Eric Garcia—also unscathed—will likely be held out as a precaution. Teenager Xavi Espart’s eye-catching performances since his senior debut keep him in Flick’s plans, slotting in at right-back behind a back four that features João Cancelo on the left, and the central pairing of Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín.

The midfield axis that dictated play versus Newcastle—Marc Bernal, Pedri and Fermín López—appears set to reprise its role, though Dani Olmo’s return to contention gives the German coach the option of rotating one of the incumbents.

Further forward, the trident that tormented Newcastle is poised for another start. Robert Lewandowski, fresh from a midweek double, will spearhead the attack, flanked by the irrepressible duo of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Their pace and invention on the wings will be central to breaking down a disciplined Rayo back line.

Projected Barcelona XI (4-2-3-1): Joan; Espart, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Barcelona know three points will keep their momentum intact and send their international contingent away on a high, setting the stage for a pivotal stretch once club football resumes.