Preview: Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano

Coach Luis Enrique will be hoping that striker Luis Suarez can continue his hot streak in front of goal when Barcelona host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

The former Liverpool man took his time in hitting the goal trail for the Catalan giants, but seven goals in as many games have indicated that he is rediscovering the form that tempted Barcelona to pay £75m for his services.

Suarez will have extra responsibility on his shoulders in the absence of Neymar, who is suspended, while Thomas Vermaelen is still missing through injury.

Since their shock defeat to Malaga, Barca have responded with three away victories, and with Real Madrid slipping up last weekend, they only lie two points off the league leaders.

Rayo Vallecano make the daunting trip to Camp Nou in a positive mindset having recorded two wins from their last three games.

That six-point haul has helped Vallecano move back towards mid-table, and they will take confidence from having registered more wins on the road than at home this campaign.

Alberto Bueno was the talk of La Liga last weekend after scoring four times in 15 minutes against Levante, and manager Paco will be hoping that he can add to his tally of 12 strikes for the season.

However, Paco must deal with suspensions to Raul Baena and Ze Castro, while Tono and Mohammed Fatau both remain injured.

Barcelona:

Form in La Liga: WWWWLW Form in all competitions: WWLWWW

Possible starting lineup: Bravo; Alves, Mathieu, Bartra, Alba; Mascherano, Rakitic, Xavi; Pedro, Messi, Suarez

Rayo Vallecano:

Recent form: LLLWLW

Possible starting lineup: Alvarez, Morcillo, Antonio Amaya, Tito, Nacho Martinez, Lica, Roberto Trashorras, Kakuta, Jozabed, Manucho Goncalves, Bueno

Sports Mole says: 4-0