Preview: Barcelona vs. Sevilla

Having returned to winning ways in La Liga last time out, Barcelona will be hoping to regain some momentum as they look to cut down Real Madrid's lead at the top of the table this weekend.

A disappointing El-Clasico defeat was followed by a shock 1-0 reverse at home to Celta Vigo earlier this month, although the Catalan giants managed to get the hiccup out of their system ahead of the international break courtesy of a 2-1 win at Almeria.

Next up for Luis Enrique's charges is the visit of Sevilla this weekend who, despite failing to win in their previous two games, are currently fifth in the division and aiming for a place in the Champions League berths.

Much of the talk over the two-week international break for Barcelona has surrounded the future of star man Lionel Messi, with the Argentina forward remaining coy over his plans.

He is likely to start this weekend, however, in a front-three trio completed by fellow South Americans Neymar and Luis Suarez - the latter of whom is yet to get off the mark in the famous strip of his new club.

At the other end of the field Gerard Pique's future looks equally bleak, and a move away from the Camp Nou seems the most likely outcome when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Spaniard has featured in just eight of Barcelona's 15 games this season, although he has vowed to fight for his place in a side which boasts the best defensive record in the country.

If Sevilla are to take anything away from the game then they will need to improve on their poor recent record away at Barcelona, which has seen them claim just one point from the last 30 on offer.

In fact, Barca have won their last five meetings against Los Robjiblancos both home and away, meaning that Unai Emery's side come into this one as big underdogs.

Top scorer Carlos Bacca is likely to lead the line for Sevilla with Arsenal target Grzegorz Krychowiak fielded in midfield, while Ivan Rakitic will line up against his former side.

Barcelona:

Form in La Liga: WWWLLW Form in all competitions: WWLLWW

Possible starting lineup: Bravo, Alves, Bartra, Mascherano, Alba, Rakitic, Busquets, Xavi, Suarez, Messi, Neymar

Sevilla:

Form in La Liga: LWWWLD Form in all competitions: DWWLWD

Possible starting lineup: Beto, Coke, Arribas, Carrico, Tremoulinas, Krychowiak, Banega, Deulofeu, Suarez, Vitolo, Bacca

Sports Mole says: 2-0