Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona prediction, odds and preview

Barcelona will look to make it three successive wins upon their return to La Liga when they travel to Vallecas to face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday afternoon.

Xavi Hernandez’s men sit third in La Liga after a successful 2-1 comeback against Alaves courtesy of a Robert Lewandowski brace a fortnight ago.

Rayo suffered a 2-1 home defeat to league leaders Girona last time out and sit in 10th place on the La Liga standings.

The hosts have won four, drawn six and lost only three of their 13 league matches this season and sit just four points off the top six in La Liga ahead of this crunch encounter.

Meanwhile, Barcelona have been boosted in midfield with the return of Frenkie de Jong despite a long-term knee injury afforded Gavi during the recent international break.

Xavi’s side have won nine, drawn three and lost only one of their 13 matches in La Liga and despite their convincing run in matches in this campaign, the Catalans have only one win in their last five matches against Rayo.

The Madrid-based team has had the upper hand over Barcelona in the past two seasons in La Liga and recently took points off Real Madrid this season.

Oscar Trejo remains the big miss for Francisco Rodriguez in Vallecas on Saturday while Barcelona are expected to be without goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen who suffered a back injury on the international break.

Kickoff is scheduled for 13:00 GMT.