Thursday night, Barcelona played Rayo Vallecano at the Vallecas Stadium. They want to get a good result in La Liga this Saturday afternoon. The Spanish team beat Deportivo Alaves 2-1 before the international break. This should give them some energy going into this game.

That’s how Xavi will set up his team: 4-3-3. He might also pick a strong starting eleven for this game. Ronald Araujo and Alejandro Balde will both have a chance to show what they can do right away in this La Liga match.

There were concerns about Marc-Andre ter Stegen before this game, but if he can get better in time, he should start in goal for Barcelona. Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde will be Xavi’s main center-halves this weekend as they try to keep a clean sheet on the road.

As for who will play right back, Joao Cancelo is a sure thing, and Alejandro Balde wants to do well as a left-back. The two of them will have to pick and choose when to join the fight.

For the defensive spots on the bench, Marcos Alonso will fill in.

In the middle

Xavi’s center will be made up of Pedri, Ilkay Gundogan, and Fermin Lopez. Their job is to win the 50/50 balls in the middle of the field and create enough chances for Barcelona to win this game.

Unfortunately, Oriol Romeu will have to settle for a spot on the bench. He could come on to make a difference in the second half if Xavi decides to use him.

Launch an attack

As a left winger, Joao Felix will have a chance to stand out, and as a right winger, Lamine Yamal will try to show what he can do. Robert Lewandowski will once again play in front of the defense for the Catalan giants.

Raphinha and Ferran Torres will have to leave the field and wait for their chance to make a difference in the late parts of the game if Barcelona still needs a goal.