Preview: Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona will be hoping to remain top of La Liga when struggling Rayo Vallecano visit Camp Nou on Saturday.

The Catalan side moved back to the summit of the table on goal difference last weekend with a 4-1 thrashing of Sevilla.

Vallecano ended a run of three games without a victory last Saturday when they beat Malaga 4-1.

Neymar, Oier and Jonathan dos Santos are absent for the hosts through injury, although Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba are expected to return to the side after serving suspensions.

Jonathan Viera is a doubt for the visitors while Borja Lopez, Jose Carlos and Seba Fernandez are all out due to injuries.

Barcelona ran out 4-0 winners when the sides last met in September.

Recent form

Barcelona: WDDWLW

Rayo Vallecano: LWLLDW

Possible starting lineups

Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Xavi; Pedro, Messi, Sanchez

Rayo Vallecano: Ruben; Arbilla, Ze Castro, Saul, Martinez; Raul Baena, Trashorras; Falque, Bueno, Bangoura; Larrivey

Sports Mole says: 3-1