Preview: Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona host Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou on Sunday night as they look to maintain their 13-point advantage at the top of the La Liga table.

The Catalan club hadn't been at their best in recent weeks, but they returned to form with a 4-0 win over AC Milan in midweek.

Carles Puyol, Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez didn't start on Tuesday night, but they could return to the first XI.

Rayo Vallecano have performed well this season, currently occupying eighth place in the league table.

They arrive in Barcelona on the back of a 2-0 success over Espanyol, but they will know that they will need to be at their best to trouble the Spanish giants.

Jose Carlos could replace Alhassane Bangoura, after he was forced off early during last week's win.

Recent form

Barcelona: WLLWW

Rayo Vallecano: WLLDW

Possible starting lineups

Barcelona: Valdes; Dani Alves, Pique, Jordi Alba, Puyol; Fabregas, Xavi, Busquets; Messi, Alexis Sanchez, Pedro

Rayo Vallecano: Ruben; Casado, Jordi Figueras, Tito, Galvez; Javi Fuego, Trashorras, Piti, Dominguez; Jose Carlos, Leo Baptistao

Sports Mole says: 4-0