Barcelona shall be trying to strike a blow within the La Liga title race as they play host to in-form Rayo Vallecano tomorrow.
La Blaugrana are at present third within the desk, however they’ve an actual likelihood to make up floor, after weekend attracts for Actual Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Victory at dwelling to Rayo will carry Barcelona stage on factors accrued with Los Blancos however they’ll edge above their rivals primarily based on El Clasico head-to-head data this season.
Hansi Flick was tight lipped over his group plans in his pre-match press convention as he praised younger squad’s resilience to this point this season.
Ronald Araujo has returned to coaching forward of the sport, after being pressured off injured in final weekend’s 4-1 win away at Sevilla, and Flick has confirmed the Uruguayan shall be in his squad.
Nevertheless, as per stories from Mundo Deportivo, he is not going to be risked within the beginning line up, with Pau Cubarsi set to begin in central defence alongside Inigo Martinez.
Cubarsi’s beginning recall could possibly be Flick’s sole change from the final recreation, together with his gamers having fun with an eight-day hole in between matches, as they put together for this key conflict.
With no UEFA Champions League motion on the horizon till the beginning of March, Barcelona’s focus shall be on home issues, with a trophy quadruple nonetheless on the playing cards for Flick.
After the go to of Rayo, Flick’s fees will head to Las Palmas subsequent weekend, earlier than a Copa del Rey semi ultimate first leg at dwelling to Atletico Madrid.
Flick is not going to be taught his Champions League final 16 opponents till after the playoffs are accomplished with the draw set for February 21.
Barcelona have 4 potential choices to face within the subsequent part together with French trio Stade Brest, AS Monaco and Paris Saint-German or Portuguese giants Benfica.