Barcelona will be keen on overturning their defeat in their previous La Liga game as they host Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou tonight in their eighth game of the season.
The Catalan giants suffered a 1-2 defeat against Sevilla in the Spanish League on 3 October and now have two defeats from their last three games. Only a win is how Luis Enrique's side looks forward to getting back their hold on the league.
Barcelona hotshot Lionel Messi is currently recovering from a knee injury and looks set to be sidelined at least until next month. Midfield maestro Andres Iniesta has also picked up a hamstring knock and will be missing tonight's game.
"Due to circumstances, we have to accept to work with those players that are available and rotate less but that should not be an excuse," Enrique said.
"My only concern is that Messi recovers well and not that he is available for this game or the other."
Luis Suarez has however recovered in time from his muscle injury to feature for Barcelona tonight, and he is expected to pair up with Brazil international Neymar upfront.
"Luis Suarez is 100-per-cent fit," Enrique confirmed.
Barcelona currently are at fourth place in the Spanish league with 15 points from seven matches. Their opponents are at 15th after having garnered seven points.
Although the odds are stacked against the away team tonight, Rayo Vallecano manager Paco Jemez remains upbeat.
"Barca can be beaten and Sevilla and Celta already proved this, but we are going there [Camp Nou] determined to bring home three points," Jemez told Marca.
"Messi and Iniesta are irreplaceable. Injuries affect any team but at least Barca can bring out a very competitive starting XI," he said.
Previous meeting
8 March 2015 -- FC Barcelona 6-1 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga).
Expected line-up
Barcelona - Bravo; Alves, Piqué, Bartra, Alba; Busquets, Rakitić, Roberto; Munir, Suarez, Neymar.
Rayo Vallecano - Tono; Tito, Ze Castro, Llorente, Nacho; Baena, Trashorras; Pablo Hernández, Jozabed, Bebe; Javi Guerra.
Where to watch live
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano is scheduled for a 7:30pm local time (12am IST, 2:30pm ET) start.
Audience in India can catch the game on SONY KIX, with online streaming option on LivSports.
Viewers in the UK can catch the match on Now TV and Sky Sports 2/HD, and live stream the game on Sky Go.
Audience in Spain can catch the action on Abono Futbol 1, Movistar, and Canal+.
US viewers can catch the game on beIN Sports, and stream it live on Bein Sports Connect.
