RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Espart, Raphinha start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Rayo Vallecano
FC Barcelona take to the field for the third time in the 2026/27 La Liga season later tonight when they take on Rayo Vallecano at the Spotify Camp Nou .
The defending champions have made a brilliant start to the new campaign, racking up impressive wins over Elche and Athletic Club in their first two matches.
The Blaugrana are also the only team in La Liga to concede a goal so far this season, and Hansi Flick & co. will be eager to extend their perfect start with another statement performance against Rayo.
The visitors have had a disappointing start to the campaign, first losing to Sevilla before being held to a draw by Deportivo Alaves.
Barcelona will be aiming to heap further misery on them tonight at Camp Nou, even though they will go into the game without some important players like Gavi and Frenkie de Jong through injuries, while Roony Bardghji is also unavailable.
Ahead of kickoff later tonight, here is how the La Liga title holders could take the field in their third game of the new season.
Defence
Xavi Espart has been a major revelation for Barcelona at the start of the season, slotting in seamlessly in an unfamiliar position at left-back and delivering strong performances.
The La Masia graduate has seemingly overtaken Alejandro Balde in Flick’s pecking order and with Joao Cancelo being eased back into the team, it is likely that the teenager gets another start tonight.
Making a big impression. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, on the right side of the defence, Eric Garcia is expected to continue as a starter, ahead of Jules Kounde, who is now seen as a backup option.
At the heart of the defence, no changes are expected either, with Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin set to pair up once again, meaning Andreas Christensen will have to wait for his chance.
Midfield
While Flick hinted at the possibility of marquee summer signing Rodri starting tonight, it appears unlikely that the Spain captain will feature from the get-go.
As such, the Barcelona manager is expected to continue with the double-pivot pairing of superstar midfielder Pedri and teenage prodigy Marc Bernal , who has stepped up in a big way after Rodri’s arrival as competition.
Meanwhile, Fermin Lopez has made a blistering start to the season, scoring goals in both of Barcelona’s first two matches.
As such, he is expected to keep his spot in the lineup as the No. 10 for Barça, ahead of World Cup winner Dani Olmo, who will once again make an appearance of the bench.
Attack
Eager to get going. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Lamine Yamal has had a quiet start to the campaign compared to the standards he sets for himself. A big performance could be around the corner for the teenage superstar as he starts on the right flank against Rayo Vallecano.
Raphinha has emerged as Barcelona’s preferred option in the No. 9 role following the departures of both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. And the new club captain has more than delivered in the role in the first two matches.
As such, no change is expected tonight with regard to the Brazilian international’s status as a starter or his role on the pitch.
Finally, new signing Anthony Gordon will continue to start on the left flank after two impressive performances in his first two La Liga matches. The Englishman will be in search of his first goal in the Blaugrana colours.
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