RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The La Liga season has started well for FC Barcelona .
The defending champions opened with a 5-0 romp over Elche and delighted home fans with a 2-0 victory against Athletic in their home opener at the Camp Nou.
But the standard remains high, with title rivals Real Madrid three for three and Atlético Madrid and Alavés on seven points after three weeks.
The expectation is a win, but Rayo Vallecano head to Barcelona also hoping to earn a victory.
Some things will surely stay the same in the XI. While the Blaugrana's pursuit of a forward continues, Raphina has scored three times from his position as a false nine and should keep his spot, with Fermin Lopez also likely to keep his place as the attacking midfielder after getting three goals in the opening games.
At the back, things are less certain. Eric Garcia was replaced late in the match with Athletic by right-back rival Jules Kounde, and on the left wing both Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi have stated their cases for starting roles.
Summer signing Rodri made his Barcelona debut in the game against Athletic, and he should eventually earn a place in Flick's XI. For now, some aches and pains he felt after Thursday's game keep him out of our projected XI, but if he wakes up Monday feeling at 100 percent, it could be time for his first Barca start.
Here's how FC Barcelona may line up in its third match of the young season:
FC Barcelona projected starting lineup vs Rayo Vallecano
Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
Defenders: Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo
Central Midfielders: Marc Bernal, Pedri
Wingers and attacking midfielder: Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Anthony Gordon
Forward : Raphina
When is Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano?
When: Monday, Aug. 31
Where: Camp Nou (Barcelona, Spain)
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FC Barcelona projected starting lineup vs Rayo Vallecano: Could Rodri start?
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