Luis Suarez (L) of FC Barcelona strikes the ball over Timothee Kolodziejczak (R) of Sevilla. (Photo : Getty Images)
Former league leaders FC Barcelona (5-2-0, 15 points) will take on lowly Rayo Vallecano (2-4-1, 7 points) as Luis Enrique's squad attempts to go back to its winning ways in the 2015-2016 La Liga season. The match will be held at Barça's Camp Nou on Saturday.
Barcelona lost two of its last three games with the most recent one a disappointing 1-2 upset in the hands of Sevilla at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán last October 3.
Still playing without their injured superstar Lionel Messi, only Neymar was able to score a goal for the Catalonia giants with a penalty kick at the 74th minute.
The Seleção captain and teammate Luis Suarez tried to find the equalizer in the late minutes, but they were unsuccessful as Sevillistas were able to hold off all of their attacks, as per SkySports.
Messi suffered a torn ligament in his left knee during the team's 2-1 win over Las Palmas last month. Although it will not require surgery, the Argentina international will be out until late November to completely heal his injury.
Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano dropped a 0-2 affair against newly-promoted club Real Betis at their home turf of Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas on October 4, via Soccerway.
Coach Paco Jémez's boys were held scoreless by Los Béticos throughout the game with defender Heiko Westermann and Rubén Castro providing one goal apiece in each half of the match respectively.
Barça is expected to pull off the win against Los Franjirrojos even if they are still adjusting with the absence of Messi as their frontline depth was compromised with the departure of Pedro to Chelsea early in the season.
Prediction: Barcelona over Rayo Vallecano, 2-0.
Barcelona starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Bravo; Roberto, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Rakitic, Mascherano, Busquets; Munir, Suarez, Neymar
Rayo Vallecano starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Tono; Nacho, Castro, Llorente, Rat; Baena, Trashorras; Embarba, Jozabed, Bebe; Guerra
