Will Lewandowski play? Barcelona could make changes to face Rayo Vallecano in La Liga
Barcelona visit Rayo Vallecano this Sunday (31), at 4:30 pm (Brasília time), for the third round of La Liga. The main question is whether Robert Lewandowski will start, as the Polish striker continues his gradual return from injury.
Lewandowski available, but unlikely to start
Lewandowski featured for 15 minutes in Barcelona’s last game, showing progress in recovery. However, coach Hansi Flick is expected to keep him on the bench again, using him in the second half to build rhythm.
Barcelona will also be without goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, still sidelined, but could count on the returns of Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo to the starting XI. Squad rotation is expected as Flick manages the early stages of the season.
Probable Barcelona lineup: Joan García; Eric García, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde; Pedri, Casadó (De Jong); Lamine Yamal, Olmo (Rashford), Raphinha, Ferran Torres (Lewandowski).
Rayo Vallecano with absences in defense
Rayo will not have Abdul Mumin and Nobel Mendy available, both injured. Coach Iñigo Pérez should repeat the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Palazon and De Frutos supporting striker Sergio Camello.
Probable Rayo lineup: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Felipe, Chavarria; Ciss, López; Palazon, Díaz, García; De Frutos.
Recent form and head-to-head
Barcelona have started La Liga perfectly, with wins over Mallorca (3-0) and Levante (3-2). Rayo opened with a 3-1 victory against Girona but fell 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao in the last round.
Historically, the clubs have met 49 times: Barça have 31 wins, Rayo eight, and ten matches ended in draws. The Catalans also won the last three encounters and enter the weekend as clear favorites.
