Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Barcelona will move to the top of the La Liga table with a victory over European hopefuls Rayo Vallecano on Monday night.

The Catalan giants enjoyed quite the weekend without kicking a ball as both title rivals dropped points. After Real Madrid mustered a point away at Osasuna, Atletico Madrid were held at home by Celta Vigo having played much of the contest with ten men following Pablo Barrios' early dismissal.

Hansi Flick's side had fallen behind the two Madrid clubs in the race following a unproductive end to 2024, but Monday's hosts have won three on the bounce to thrust them into an excellent position.

However, Rayo Vallecano are one of La Liga's form teams and have proven to be nightmarish opposition for La Liga's best. Andoni Iraola's former assistant, Inigo Perez, has reignited Los Franjirrojos after a tough 2023/24 campaign in the wake of Iraola's exit.

Perez's side are efficient at both ends of the pitch and capable of overwhelming opponents through their high-octane, vertical possession style. Rayo are currently sixth in La Liga having failed to taste defeat in the top flight since 1 December.

Here is 90min's guide to the encounter.

What time does Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano kick-off?

Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano on TV - UK and US

Barcelona team news

Fermin Lopez was sent off at Sevilla last weekend / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

Fermin Lopez is in a rich vein of form, but he won't be available on Monday after seeing red against Sevilla last time out. Dani Olmo will start as the hosts' number ten in Fermin's absence.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is stepping up his recovery from a long-term knee injury but remains out of action, while Marc Bernal is also still sidelined.

Andreas Christensen has barely featured this term due to injury setbacks, and Flick's set to be without the Danish defender again due to a muscular problem. However, Barca are expected to have Ronald Araujo available having recovered from an ankle issue.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Rayo Vallecano team news

Randy Nteka is available again after serving his suspension / SOPA Images/GettyImages

The visitors have a couple of fresh injury concerns from last weekend's victory over Real Valladolid, with Sergio Camello and Unai Lopez both picking up knocks which is set to keep them out of Monday's game.

Joni Montiel remains out with a muscle injury, but Randy Nteka is available having served his La Liga suspension. The 27-year-old should come back into Perez's side and start up top in Catalonia.

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Barcelona

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria; Diaz, Ciss; De Frutos, Palazon, Garcia; Nteka.

Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano score prediction

This is a huge opportunity for Flick's side, but Rayo will make sure they have to work incredibly hard for all three points on Monday night. The visitors have taken points off the two Madrid clubs this term, and they're more than capable of thwarting a rampant Barca outfit here.

Bereft of stars but collectively majestic, Rayo should have success penetrating Barca's aggressive defensive line, while the hosts' build-up play will be put to the test by the visitors' supreme work without the ball.

This is bound to be frantic, and Rayo have a shot at securing a memorable result, but Barcelona, given the opportunity that's suddenly arisen at the top of the table, should find an extra gear to get over the line.