Barcelona are only a point adrift of La Liga leaders Villarreal after seven matches, but it has been far from plain sailing for Luis Enrique's side so far. They suffered a stunning 4-1 defeat away at Celta de Vigo last month, and disbanded for the recent international break on the back of a 2-1 defeat at Sevilla's Pizjuán. They'll certainly be looking to get back to winning ways when they welcome struggling Rayo Vallecano to Camp Nou on Saturday.
Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano 2015 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Barcelona shouldn’t have too much of a problem seeing off Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Saturday.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
Paco Jémez’s side have become famous for playing some of the most attractive football in the league over the last few seasons, even to their detriment. Their high-pressing, high-tempo game sometimes allows opponents to catch them off-guard defensively, as it did when Barça smashed them 6-1 on their last meeting back in March. However, while it doesn’t always work, they’re certainly never boring to watch.
Key player: Luis Suárez (Barcelona)
Providing he recovers from a knock in time to play in this match, Rayo Vallecano's defenders will be quaking in their boots at the prospect of facing Luis Suárez. He's perhaps the most well-rounded No. 9 in world football, and is capable of putting the ball into the back of the net when it seems utterly impossible. Don't be surprised if he adds to his tally here.
Key matchup: Bebé vs. Dani Alves
Portuguese winger Bebé was once a walking talking Manchester United punchline, though, to his credit, he's bounced back and his fledgling career is once again full of promise. He moved to Rayo on loan from Benfica in the summer, and has established himself as a regular in the starting lineup. In this game he could well cause problems for Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, whose defensive precision notoriously fails to match his attacking zeal.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Lionel Messi, Rafinha (knee); Andrés Iniesta (hamstring). In doubt: Luis Suárez (knock); Thomas Vermaelen (calf).
Rayo Vallecano injuries and suspensions
Out: Pablo Hernández (thigh); Antonio Amaya (suspended) In doubt: None.
Barcelona will still be without Lionel Messi, Rafinha and Andrés Iniesta, though hope to have Luis Suárez spearheading the attack after a knock. Thomas Vermaelen is, as usual, a doubt.
Rayo Vallecano's only injury absentees are former Swansea City winger Hernández and goalkeeper David Cobeño, though they'll be joined on the sidelines by the suspended center back Amaya.
Match Date/Time: Sat., Oct. 17, 2:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. local
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (US and Canada - Spanish), Sky Sports 2/HD (U.K.)
Online: Fubo TV (US) beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
See More:
