Barcelona are back in action at 21:30 CEST against Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday night, in the knowledge that after just three games, they could go clear at the top of the table as the only side with a 100% record. Standing in their way is their traditional bogey ground of Vallecas, where Barcelona have taken just one point in their last three visits.
The home side confirmed the signing of James Rodriguez on Monday, but manager Inigo Perez told the media that he would not be involved yet as he gets back up to speed. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick will have Dani Olmo available for the first time, as the Blaugrana managed to register him in place of Andreas Christensen due to the Dane’s injury.
As per Sport, Olmo will be given his first start, in a line-up that otherwise will be kept the same from their victory against Athletic Club. Ferran Torres would drop out for their €62m signing. Rayo are coming off the back of match without shots on target against Getafe, and Sergio Camello for Randy Nteka could be the main change.
Isi Palazon and Alvaro Garcia are tipped to return, but otherwise Perez will not switch too much. MD on the other hand predict more widespread changes, with Unai Lopez in for captain Oscar Trejo, Palazon and Camello all coming in.
Their take on the Barcelona line-up is that Marc Casado will replace Marc Bernal, and Fermin Lopez to come in for Torres too. They believe Olmo will be introduced from the bench. The Blaugrana are missing Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati and Gavi through injury, while the hosts are missing Andrei Ratiu.
#FCBarcelona take on #RayoVallecano this evening, and for the first time, Hansi Flick will have Dani Olmo available.
Inigo Perez has confirmed James Rodriguez will not be. MD predict Olmo from the bench, a first start for Fermin, and a less offensive Rayo line-up. pic.twitter.com/ltQOn0LpnV
— Football España (@footballespana_) August 27, 2024
