Barcelona ring the changes for today’s early kick-off against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, with Pedro Rodriguez preferred to Neymar.
In goal, Claudio Bravo displaces Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while Dani Alves and Jeremy Mathieu are both picked ahead of Martin Montoya and Rafinha.
Moving up the pitch, Sergio Busquets’ ankle injury means Javier Mascherano is pushed into central midfield and joined by newcomer Xavi Hernandez.
Real Madrid’s defeat to Athletic Bilbao yesterday means it’s advantage Barca in the title race as a Catalan victory would see them open up a one-point lead at the summit.
Barcelona: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Mascherano, Xavi, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Pedro
Subs: Ter Stegen, Adriano, Bartra, Rafinha, Rakitic, Sergi Roberto, Munir
Rayo Vallecano: Cristian; Tito, Abdoulaye, Amaya, Insua; Jozabed, Trashorras; Lica, Bueno, Kakuta; Leo
Subs: Cobeno, Martinez, Aquino, Quini, Pozuelo, Manucho, Alex
Referee: Jesus Gil
