He FC Barcelona He has before him an opportunity that seemed unthinkable just a few weeks ago: be a leader of LaLiga EA Sports. Recent stumbling blocks real Madrid and the Atlético de Madridwhich have added two of the last nine and two of six points respectively, have reopened the fight for the championship.
Now, the team of Hansi Flick is willing to assault the top if it manages to defeat Ray Vallecano This Monday in Montjuïc.
Aware of the importance of the party, the logical thing is that Flick does not keep anything and bet on his eleven of gala. However, the key pieces have been varying with the passage of the days. What a few months ago seemed immovable, with Marc Casadó as titular pivot and Dani Olmo Like midfielder, it has now changed. Frenkie de Jong has taken over in the center of the field, while Gavi He has gained weight to the detriment of Olmo, who continues to recover rhythm after his physical problems.
In the goal, Wojciech Szczesny It will continue under sticks. The Polish is demonstrating why Barça opted for his experience and quality, adding eight victories and a draw in their nine games played. In addition, their solidity and leadership have transmitted security to a defense that, despite rotations and injuries, has been consolidated.
The defensive line seems clear: Koundé, Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez and Balde They will form the Barca default. However, Eric García I could also have options to enter the eleven.
The ex from Manchester City is going through a great moment and his ability to get the ball could be key to Rayo Vallecano that, predictably, will give possession to the culé set. For its part, Ronald Araujoalready recovered from his ankle injury, he will leave from the bench.
Casadó or Jong? The great unknown in the center of the Barça field
The midfield is the area with more doubts in the alignment. Frenkie de Jong having won the game to Marc Casadówho has been a fixed for much of the season. Si Flick maintains the formula of the last games, the Dutch will repeat ownership together with Pedriconsolidating a double pivot with more experience and control of the game.
If the German coach decides to surprise and recover Casadó, it would be the first time in the whole season that the young quarry chains three consecutive substitutions.
Another point to solve is the midfielder. Gavi It is the favorite to occupy that role, but Dani Olmo You need minutes to recover your best version. His season has been marked by injuries and the coaching staff is aware that their quality and vision of play will be fundamental in the final section of the course. If you are not holder, Flick surely gives you minutes in the second part.
The offensive trident remains unalterable
In the front, Flick has no doubts. Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski They will lead the Blaugrana attack. The great unknown is the scoring yield of the young Lamine, who does not mark in LaLiga from the October 26when he scored at Santiago Bernabéu. They have passed Almost four months Since his last goal in the domestic competition, so this game is presented as a great opportunity for the canterano to recover his scoring smell.
If the team needs a revulsion in the second part, Flick will have luxury options on the bench: Ferran Torres and Fermín López They are ready to contribute freshness and dynamism in case Barça needs to unlock the game.
A decisive match for LaLiga
FC Barcelona faces a key night in Montjuïc. The possibility of assaulting the lead is real, but the Ray Vallecano He is a rival who always complicates things. With an almost defined eleven and the need to add three points, the team of Hansi Flick He has an unavoidable appointment with his hobby and with the fate of the championship.
Hours: What time is FC Barcelona – Rayo Vallecano played?
The confrontation between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecanocorresponding to the LALIGA EA Sports Day 24this will be played Monday, February 17 in it Estadi Olimpic Lluís Companys.
The game will begin 21:00 hours (Spanish peninsular schedule) And it will be a crucial opportunity for those of Hansi Flick to place on the top of the classification, taking advantage of the recent stumbling blocks of the real Madrid and the Atlético de Madrid.
Where to watch online TV El Barça – Rayo Vallecano?
The meeting can be followed in television through Movistar+the platform that has the transmission rights of LaLiga EA Sports. In addition, it will be available in streaming through Movistar’s application and websiteallowing subscribers to enjoy the game on any device with Internet connection.
With an expectant Montjuïc and the possibility of leading the competition, FC Barcelona will seek to add three vital points against Rayo Vallecano that has always proven to be an uncomfortable rival.
Possible alignments
FC Barcelona
Probable eleven of Barça: Szczesny; Koundé, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, bucket; Marc Casadó, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; and Lewandowski.
Ray Vallecano
Probable eleven of Rayo Vallecano: Battle; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Pep Chavarría; Pathé Ciss, Óscar Valentín; Of fruits, ISI, Álvaro García; and Ntenka.