Barcelona have started their League season with a win, which continues on Tuesday night with a trip to Rayo Vallecano.
Hansi Flick followed on as his new side secured back-to-back 2-1 wins over Valencia and Athletic Club to give them a two-point lead over title-holders Real Madrid with two games played.
The German manager has some injury concerns to worry about in the build-up to this midweek encounter, although a summer signing could make his club debut in a timely boost for the visitors.
Here’s what’s planned Barça schedule for Tuesday night.
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – He will now get his time as Germany’s regular goalkeeper after Manuel Neuer announced his international retirement.
RB: Jules Kounde – The Frenchman was described by team-mate Lamine Yamal as the “best rn in the world” on social media after his strong performance against Barca. transfer point to Nico Williams the 2-1 win at Athletic.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo are both sidelined, but Cubarsi started ahead of the Dane in the first leg anyway and could accompany Araujo when the Uruguayan returns.
CB: Inigo Martinez – The team’s elder statesman at 33 years of age, Martinez said he would support Williams however, the young winger decides to handle Barça’s transfer interest.
LB: Alexandre Balde – He has returned to the starting line-up after last season’s long injury lay-off and is enjoying his football, with an adventurous appearance at left-back against Athletic.
CM: Marc Bernal – Injuries to the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Gavi have opened the door for Bernal and Marc Casado to get minutes in midfield. He could be the first to keep his place in the starting eleven.
CM: Peter – Barca must be careful not to overwork Pedri too soon, given he was injured midway through Euro 2024, but Flick is unlikely to look elsewhere given his other absences.
RW: Lamine Yamal – He has continued his blistering summer form into the early stages of the League season, scoring the opener last time out.
AM: Dani Olmo – It may finally be time for the Spanish international Olmo to make his inaugural bow at Barça. The League would have accepted his registration and could be thrown straight into the starting eleven.
LW: Raphinha – He occupies a central role at the weekend but could be pushed out to left wing if Olmo is available, forcing Ferran Torres to the bench.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – It is not Kylian Mbappe who leads the race for the Pichichi Trophy in this first stage of the season. Veteran Polish striker Lewandowski now has three goals after his own double against Valencia and winner against Athletic.
