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High noon in Camp Nou as Barca prepare to face Rayo

Xinhua, March 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

FC Barcelona have a rare midday kick-off when they entertain Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Last weekend saw Barcelona draw back to within two points of Real Madrid at the top of the BBVA Primera Liga table as they won 3-1 away to Granada, while Madrid could only draw 1-1 at home to Villarreal.

Barca got a further morale boost on Wednesday when they assured their fourth King's Cup final appearance in six years when they won in Villarreal by the same score.

The only setback on the night was an ankle injury suffered by Sergio Busquets who will miss Sunday's match. That injury will see Javier Mascherano step forward out of defense to partner with Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, while Marc Bartra could return to partner Gerard Pique in the Barca defense.

Meanwhile, Barca coach Luis Enrique will make his traditional rotation in goal with Claudio Bravo returning to play in the league after Ter Stegen made his customary appearance in the Copa del Rey.

Pedro Rodriguez will also get his chance in attack after Neymar saw his fifth booking of the campaign last weekend in Granada. Pedro has usually performed well when given the chance this season and has a good scoring record against Rayo.

The visitors travel to Barcelona on the back of their stunning 4-2 win at home to Levante last weekend which gave them a relatively comfortable cushion over the relegation zone. The highlight of the game were the four goals scored by Rayo striker, Alberto Bueno is a 15-minute first half spell, which made him the top-scoring Spaniard in the BBVA Primera Liga this season with 12 goals.

Rayo will look to play their traditional attacking football; a style which means they can be relied on to pick up enough points to survive, but which also leaves them open to some heavy defeats. Rayo coach Paco Jemez has said he wants his players to learn from Leo Messi on Sunday and unless his side are careful in attack, that could well be what happens. Endi