The Estadio de Vallecas is the stage for this highly-anticipated encounter in the LaLiga Santander as Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona lock horns. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.
Over the years, the Blaugrana have been dominant in this fixture winning their previous 14 games against their opponents. However, Barca's dismal form of recent presents Rayo with a huge opportunity to break this duck on Wednesday.
Rayo in search of another home victory
Rayo Vallecano showed character in their game over the weekend against Betis as they made their way from two goals down to draw level 2-2. However, Willian Jose's penalty 15 minutes from the final whistle condemned Rayo to their second loss in three league matches. Still and all, Iraola's troops are currently in 7th position having managed 16 points from 10 league matches. It is also to be noted that Rayo Vallecano head into this game having won all four of their league matches at the Vallecas and as such, they would certainly fancy their chances of making it five wins in a row as they go up against a struggling Barcelona outfit.
Barcelona were disappointing, once again, as we saw them lose to arch-rivals Real Madrid in the El Clasico over the weekend. By the time Kun Aguero netted in the seventh minute of added time, the damage had already been done with Los Blancos already coasting to all three points via goals from Alaba and Vazquez. This puts the Blaugrana in 9th position on the standings and although they have a game on a couple of teams above them, you'd expect a side like Barcelona to be at the summit mounting a challenge for the title. Barca's form away from home has been terrible as we still haven't seen the win on the road and given Wednesday's opponents are much better on their own turf, we could see them pick up yet another loss.
Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona Team News
Rayo Vallecano possible starting XI:
Dimitrievski; Balliu, Saveljich, Catena, F. Garcia; Lopez, Comesana; Palazon, Trejo, A. Garcia; Nteka
Barcelona possible starting XI:
Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Garcia, Alba; Roberto, Busquets, Gavi; Dest, Aguero, Depay
Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona Prediction: 1-2
Barcelona would be Rayo's first major test at the Vallecas this season with Iraola's troops picking up wins against 'smaller' outfits Getafe, Cadiz, Granada and Elche. Rayo would certainly give a good account of themselves this Wednesday but we don't think that would be enough for the win as we see Barcelona's superior pool of players doing the job for all three points.