Barcelona enjoyed a winning start to their La Liga season on Tuesday night with a trip to Rayo Vallecano.
Hansi Flick looked on as his new side won back-to-back 2-1 victories over Valencia and Athletic Club to give them a two-point lead over title holders Real Madrid with two games played.
The German manager has few injury problems to worry about in preparation for this midweek game, although the summer signing could see his club start to improve in time for the visitors.
Here is the predicted line-up for Barca on Tuesday night.
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – He will now get his time as Germany's regular goalkeeper after Manuel Neuer announced his international retirement.
RB: Jules Kounde – The Frenchman was described by teammate Lamine Yamal as “the best player in the world” on social media after his powerful display against Barca transfer target Nico Williams in a 2-1 win at Athletic.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo are both sidelined, but Cubarsi started ahead of the Dane in the first leg anyway and could partner Araujo when the Uruguayan returns.
CB: Inigo Martinez – The 33-year-old club boss, Martinez said he would back Williams but the young player decided to handle transfer interest from Barca.
LB: Alejandro Balde – He returned to the starting line-up after being sidelined last season and is enjoying his football, looking to play at left-back against Athletic.
CM: Marc Bernal – Injuries to the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Gavi have opened up Bernal and Marc Casado to get minutes in the midfield. He might be the first to keep his place in the starting XI.
CM: Pedri – Barca must be careful not to give Pedri too much work in the near future, given he is injured midway through Euro 2024, but Flick is unlikely to look elsewhere given their other absences.
RW: Lamine Yamal – He continued his dazzling summer form at the start of the La Liga season, scoring the opening goal last week.
AM: Dani Olmo – It may finally be time for Spanish player Olmo to make his debut at Barca. It is reported that La Liga has accepted his registration and he could be thrown into the starting XI.
LW: Raphinha – Inserted in a central role at the weekend but could be moved back to left wing if Olmo is available, forcing Ferran Torres to the bench.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – It is not Kylian Mbappe who is leading the race for the Pichichi Trophy at this early stage of the season. Veteran Polish striker Lewandowski has three goals following his brace against Valencia and win over Athletic.
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