After a rare full week of rest and training in beautiful Catalonia, Barcelona are back in action for a rare Monday night La Liga game when they meet Rayo Vallecano at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium.
Barça are the last of the three title contenders to play this weekend and the two Madrid teams shockingly dropped points in their matches on Saturday, which means the Catalans can finally reclaim top spot in the table for the first time in two months with a win. But it won’t be easy against a Rayo side that hasn’t lost in the league since the beginning of December and always makes life hell for Barça, home or away.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Monday’s battle
Defense
Flick gave three days off to his squad after a very busy January and start of February, allowing his group to recharge and get ready for a crucial run of games in all competitions over the next few weeks. Barça will have another free week after this one, so it’s hard to expect any rotations and the coach is likely to pick his strongest available team.
Possible XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsí, Iñigo, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)