Barcelona play their final home match of the 2023-24 season when they host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening. Three points for Xavi Hernandez’s side would secure second place in the La Liga table, and qualification for the 2025 Spanish Super Cup next January.
As expected, Xavi will name a strong line-up, with changes expected from the 2-0 victory over Almeria on Thursday. Joao Cancelo, Andreas Christensen and Raphinha were all rested at the Power Horse Stadium, and Sport has predicted all three to return. Ilkay Gundogan is also back after suspension.
🚨 Expected lineups. @sport pic.twitter.com/b40YurdBd0
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 19, 2024
Hector Fort, Sergi Roberto, Pedri and Ferran Torres would drop out of the squad, and despite returning to training, Ronald Araujo would not be called upon, with Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez remaining as the centre-back pairing.
Rayo can officially secure their place in La Liga for next season if they take a point at the Estadi Olimpic, and Inigo Perez plans just one change from the midweek victory over Granada. It’s an enforced one, as Oscar Trejo – who was sent off at Vallecas – is set to be replaced by Miguel Crespo.
With this being an end-of-season clash, let’s hope for goals when Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano face off. It should be a compelling encounter, as both teams set their eyes on achieving their respective goals.
