Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona: Key Issues That Will Shape La Liga Game

Still heading the La Liga pack, Barcelona travel to Rayo Vallecano this weekend. With an international break on the horizon, Luis Enrique would surely love the status quo to remain.

On current form, it would take a brave man to bet against that happening.

Barcelona have won the last six meetings between the sides, per Fussball Wettpoint, racking up an astonishing 29 goals in the process and conceding just one.

At Rayo's Vallecas ground, the Blaugrana haven't conceded a goal in three seasons.

An uphill struggle if ever there was one, but Paco Jemez will still expect full concentration and ultimate professionalism.

Let's take a look at some key issues that may well affect the outcome of the game.

Home Advantage Is No Advantage

David Ramos/Getty Images

Barca have performed better on the road against Rayo.

The stats actually support the theory that Barcelona have enjoyed better results at Vallecas than they have at Camp Nou.

Per Fussball Wettpoint, Barca have won 4-0, 5-0 and 7-0 on the last three occasions they journeyed to that part of Madrid.

Despite being quite a tight and small ground, it's certainly not intimidating, and perhaps that's part of the issue for the home side. 

The Industry of Roberto Trashorras

David Ramos/Getty Images

Roberto Trashorras is key to Jemez's game plan being successful.

Rayo are nothing if not hardworking. To that end, they are very much a team in their manager's own image.

No one typifies what Paco Jemez demands from his staff more than workhorse Roberto Trashorras.

The type of player you want standing beside you in the trenches when you go to war, Trashorras simply gives nothing up untl the final whistle blows.

If Jemez had the luxury of an XI full of such spirit, he'd be laughing. 

Free-Flowing Barca Attack

Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Neymar and Messi have both enjoyed a fine start to the season.

Trashorras aside, if the rest of the home side don't apply themselves in the same way, we could be in for a cricket score.

Steadily rising scores over the past three years in favour of the visitors, plus a front line in hot form, is a recipe for success to some.

Able and ready when required, Pedro Rodriguez, Sandro Ramirez and Munir El Haddadi are all waiting in the wings for their call. 

International Break

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

Luis Enrique can give some senior players such as Gerard Pique a rest.

This game comes at the end of a week where Barca will have focused their energies on the Champions League.

With an international break immediately after, Luis Enrique may think it pertinent to give a number of senior staff the day off from club duty in order to rest weary limbs.

As such, we could see an entirely youthful starting XI in this one. 

Gael Kakuta with a Point to Prove

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Kakuta needs to prove he is the real deal since leaving Chelsea.

On loan from Chelsea, Gael Kakuta has a point to prove whilst at Rayo.

It is his sixth loan since joining the Blues and probably represents a last-chance saloon type scenario for a player that is still only 23 years of age.

If his start is anything to go by then the youngster could well have hit the big time.

With two goals already since his summer move, that's more than his tenures at Chelsea, Fulham, Bolton, Vitesse and Lazio combined.

Only at Dijon, where he hit four in a season, has he fared better.

Barcelona shouldn't underestimate a player who is high on confidence.