Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona: Predicted XI for La Liga champions as head coach Hansi Flick plans changes

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is set to make changes to his starting side for Sunday's La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano, as the reigning champions look to put a third straight win on the board.

Flick's side were given a scare against Levante last time out, having to come from two goals behind to record a 3-2 win over the promoted outfit, and there could now be a change to the defensive unit.

Jules Kounde has surprisingly been left out of the XI in the opening two gameweeks of the season, but it is likely that the France international will be back in the side on Sunday night.

Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, missed out against Levante after his wife gave birth to their second child, but the Netherlands international is available for this match and should start.

Dani Olmo is also pushing to be introduced in the final third, with Eric Garcia, Marc Casado and Marcus Rashford potentially being the three players to drop out of the side.

Robert Lewandowski is being eased back into action following a hamstring issue, and he is again likely to feature off the bench here, with Ferran Torres in line to continue as the centre-forward.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Gavi are Barcelona's only absentees through injury, although Wojciech Szczesny, Gerard Martin and Roony Bardghji have still not been registered with La Liga.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: J Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres