Barcelona will kick-start their 2022-2023 La Liga campaign with a clash with Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou later tonight, August 13, 2022 at 20:00. The La Liga giants are expected to justify their unprecedented raid of the 2022 transfer window with a brilliant game against Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona will tackle Rayo Vallecano as they begin to battle for the 2022-2023 La Liga title which they have failed to win in the last three seasons. The Catalan has not won the La Liga since 2018 and has played second fiddle against arch-rivals Real Madrid.
New signings Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Yules Kounde, Franck Kessie, and Andreas Christensen are expected to feature for the La Liga giant since they have crossed the huddle of registering to play in the La Liga.
The Catalans enjoyed preseason success with one of the club’s new signings Raphinha shining for them. Ousmane Dembele was also phenomenal for the Catalans.
Robert Lewandowski scored on his Camp Nou debut when they thrashed Pumas 6-0 to win the Joan Gamper Cup. It is a crucial match for the Catalans as they hope to consolidate on a revamped Barcelona squad.
Rayo Vallecano, although considered underdogs in this match, will hope to build on the double they completed against the Catalan last season, beating them home and away.
Rayo Vallecano pulled an impressive preseason outing. They have not lost in their last six matches which include a draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Spanish club gained promotion in 2021 amassing 42 points in the Spanish Seconda Division. They won 11 matches, drew 9, and lost 18 matches to finish 12th on the log and qualify through the play-offs.
The Andoni Iraola side has also brought in fresh legs – Unai Lopez, Diego Lopez, Salvi Sanchez, Florian Lejeune, and Sergio Camello, into the team
Team News
Barcelona have registered their new signings Yules Kounde, Raphinha, Franck Kessie, and Christensen who are all expected to make their debut for the Catalans, with Robert Lewandowski leading the attack.
The only injury concern for Xavi is Ferran Torres, battling a foot injury. Apart from Torres, the Catalans are perfectly ready for the clash.
Pedro, Gavi, and Sergio Busquets are expected to start in the midfield, while Ronald Araujo will marshall the right-back position. Frankie de Jong will likely start from the bench.
Rayo Vallecano will parade their best starting line-up against the Catalans. Former Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao is expected to lead the attack with Alvaro Garcia, Isi Palazon, and Oscar Trejo backing him up in the midfield. Unai Lopez, Diego Lopez, Salvi Sanchez, Florian Lejeune, and Sergio Camello are all expected to make their debut. Stole Dimitrievski is expected at the goalkeeping position.
Probable Line-up
Barcelona
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Alba, E Garcia; Pedri, Gavi, Busquets; Raphinha, Lewandowski
Rayo Vallecano
Dimitrievski; Suarez, Balliu, F Garcia, Catena; Ciss, U Lopez; Trejo, Palazon, A Garcia; Falcao
Prediction
Barcelona has an advantage over the visitors with the depths of quality paraded for the match. Rayo Vallecano enjoys a more possessive game with an emphasis on perfect and clinical passes. They are more likely to be overwhelmed by the hosts. Barcelona will defeat Rayo Vallecano 2-1.
