Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona – La Liga – Preview

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Sreya

Barcelona travel to Estadio de Vallecas to take on Rayo Vallecano in a La Liga fixture on 3rd March, Thursday. Barcelona are leading the race to the title by a significant margin as they are five points ahead of Atletico Madrid, who have played a game more.

With sixty six points from twenty six matches, Barcelona will look to secure their twenty-second win of the season when they face Vallecano. The sixteenth-placed side, albeit undefeated in their last seven league fixtures, are two points above the relegation zone on twenty six points.

Team News

Paco Jemez’s side is struggling with an injury crisis as David Cobeno, Patrick Ebert, Razvan Rat, Tono and Pablo Hernandez are sidelined. Diego Llorante, Jozabed, Javi Guerra and Miku have been listed as doubts.

Rafinha is still recuperating from his injury. Dani Alves is suspended after the fullback picked up his fifth yellow of the season against Sevilla, with Aleix Vidal set to come in.

Rayo Vallecano Possible Starting Lineup: Juan Carlos, Quini, Ze Castro, Diego Llorente, Tito, Manuel Iturra, Roberto Trashorras, Adrian Embarba, Piti, Bebe, Manucho.

Barcelona Possible Starting Lineup: Claudio Bravo, Aleix Vidal, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Adriano, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“It’s difficult to win because we face the best team in the world that has the best players. It’s hard, but our intention is to go out, compete, play a good game and win.”

– Roberto Trashorras, Rayo Vallecano.

“I highly value the great squad I have, who are a unique and different group. Any lapse in concentration can prove costly. The league is still open because there are plenty of points still at stake. You can never be relaxed against Rayo. It will be an uncomfortable game.”

– Luis Enrique, Barcelona.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Barcelona have won their last ten matches against Rayo Vallecano in all competitions, scoring at least three goals in nine of those games. Barcelona have also won their previous nine La Liga games on the trot this season and would start as favorites.

Although the home side have drawn their last three league fixtures, they have conceded a minimum of two goals in twelve out of their last fourteen matches. Although Rayo Vallecano have scored a minimum of two goals in their last seven La Liga matches, Barcelona have kept a clean sheet in their last four away matches against Rayo Vallecano in all competitions.

Barcelona are likely to win this particular contest, with a 3-1 scoreline being the most probable result.