Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano (0-1) Apr 24, 2022 Match Preview and Stats

Barcelona host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday as they aim to take another step towards Champions League qualification for next season.

The Catalans head into the weekend second in the league but are coming off the back of a more difficult period following their Europa League exit to Frankfurt and then a defeat to Cadiz in each of their last two Camp Nou outings.

However, a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in midweek has got them back on track to some extent.

For Sunday’s match, they face a myriad of injury problems, though on Pedri has been ruled out at the time of writing.

Barca boss Xavi, though, has a huge number of doubtful players before the clash. Among those least likely to feature as Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti and Ronald Araujo.

Meanwhile, there is more hope that the likes of Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Dani Alves and Gavi are all ready to play a part.

Barca are likely to line up in their classic 4-3-3 shape, with Alves on the right of the defence and Eric Garcia and Pique in the centre. Jordi Alba should be available on the left.

The midfield will also be predictable, with Gavi, Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong starting.

Barcelona have ample options open to them in attack, with Ousmane Dembele set to be handed an opportunity to start once more along with Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Xavi has plenty options on the bench that he can turn to in the event that his side are struggling, with the likes of Memphis Depay and Luuk de Jong available in reserve.

How Barcelona could line up against Rayo Vallecano