Preview: Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona

Rayo Vallecano have the unenviable task of taking on a Barcelona side desperate to return to form following a disappointing night in the Champions League on Tuesday.

A thrilling game in the French capital finished with Barcelona losing 3-2 to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week, and playing La Liga rivals again is likely to come as a relief to Luis Enrique and his players.

Enrique is likely to make changes to this team, with Claudio Bravo expected to replace Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal, while Gerard Pique could be welcomed back into the centre of defence.

Rayo Vallecano endured a difficult start to the new campaign, but have suggested over the past two games that they can be confident of, at the very least, matching last season's 12th-place finish.

Leo Baptistao scored a brace in the win over Levante last Saturday, and he is certain to lead the line again as Paco Jemez looks set to name an unchanged side.

Recent form

Rayo Vallecano: DDLLWW

Barcelona: WWWWDW

Possible starting lineups

Rayo Vallecano: Tono, Tito, Ze Castro, Ba, Insua, Baena, Trashorras, Lica, Bueno, Kakuta, Baptistao

Barcelona: Bravo, Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Alba, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta, Munir, Messi, Neymar

Sports Mole says: 0-3