Barcelona will move to the top of the La Liga table with a victory over Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona will move to the top of the La Liga table with a victory over European hopefuls Rayo Vallecano on Monday night.

The Catalan giants enjoyed quite the weekend without kicking a ball as both title rivals dropped points. After Real Madrid mustered a point away at Osasuna, Atletico Madrid were held at home by Celta Vigo having played much of the contest with ten men following Pablo Barrios’ early dismissal.

Hansi Flick’s side had fallen behind the two Madrid clubs in the race following a unproductive end to 2024, but Monday’s hosts have won three on the bounce to thrust them into an excellent position.

However, Rayo Vallecano are one of La Liga’s form teams and have proven to be nightmarish opposition for La Liga’s best. Andoni Iraola’s former assistant, Inigo Perez, has reignited Los Franjirrojos after a tough 2023/24 campaign in the wake of Iraola’s exit.

Perez’s side are efficient at both ends of the pitch and capable of overwhelming opponents through their high-octane, vertical possession style. Rayo are currently sixth in La Liga having failed to taste defeat in the top flight since 1 December.

Fermin Lopez is in a rich vein of form, but he won’t be available on Monday after seeing red against Sevilla last time out. Dani Olmo will start as the hosts’ number ten in Fermin’s absence.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is stepping up his recovery from a long-term knee injury but remains out of action, while Marc Bernal is also still sidelined.

Andreas Christensen has barely featured this term due to injury setbacks, and Flick’s set to be without the Danish defender again due to a muscular problem. However, Barca are expected to have Ronald Araujo available having recovered from an ankle issue.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.