Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano: Predicted XI for Hansi Flick's side in La Liga contest

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick could make two changes to his XI for Monday's La Liga contest with Rayo Vallecano.

The Catalan giants will enter the match off the back of a 4-1 success over Sevilla in Spain's top flight last weekend.

Barcelona will be without the service of Fermin Lopez on Monday, with the midfielder sent off shortly after featuring off the bench against Sevilla last time out.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal are long-term absentees with serious knee injuries, while Andreas Christensen remains unavailable for selection due to a muscular complaint.

Ronald Araujo is making progress in his recovery from an ankle issue, and the Uruguay international could be in the squad, but it seems unlikely that he will be in the XI for the league contest.

Flick could ultimately make two changes to the side that took to the field for the first whistle against Sevilla, with Pau Cubarsi - fresh from signing a new long-term contract - and Marc Casado potentially being introduced for Araujo and Frenkie de Jong.

Dani Olmo is pushing to be involved in the number 10 spot, but Gavi is again expected to operate further forward, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha featuring in the wide areas.

Robert Lewandowski has scored 31 times in 33 appearances during an excellent season to date for the Catalan giants, and there will once again be a spot in the final third of the field for the 36-year-old.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski