Following a thumping 5-1 win in their El Clasico showdown with Real Madrid last time out in La Liga, Barcelona fielded a heavily rotated side to take on Segunda Division B side Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey in midweek.
Ernesto Valverde's fielding of a second string team on Wednesday was indicative of both the difference in quality between the two sides and of just how seriously Barcelona are taking their La Liga title defence ahead of a trip to second from bottom Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
Barcelona arrive at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas in Madrid this weekend just one point clear of second placed Alaves in the table, facing a Rayo Vallecano side on Saturday which appears in deep trouble in the drop zone.
Valverde made 11 changes in midweek from the side which thumped Real Madrid last weekend, and Barcelona can be expected to return to a more familiar look this weekend.
Here is a look at the best potential Barcelona lineup to face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday...
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) - Understudy goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen was given an expected run out in the Copa del Rey in midweek but ter Stegen is set to regain his customary place in Barcelona's league side on Saturday.
Sergi Roberto (RB) - Having recently returned from injury, Roberto was rested in midweek with Nelson Semedo drafted in at right back, but the Spaniard is now Barcelona's clear first choice in the position and is set to return to Valverde's side this weekend.
Gerard Pique (CB) - Valverde fielded a youthful defence on Wednesday which featured Juan Brandariz and Jorge Cuenca at centre back, but will surely look to his experienced heads once more in La Liga against Rayo Vallecano. Pique is set to resume usual service at the heart of defence.
Clement Lenglet (CB) - Having started on the bench in midweek, Lenglet was brought on as a substitute and became the unlikely hero with a 91st minute winner in the 1-0 win over Cultural Leonesa. With Samuel Umtiti only just returning to training, his compatriot Lenglet should keep his place in Barcelona's league team.
Jordi Alba (LB) - Barca's lack of depth beyond Alba at left back saw youngster Juan Miranda drafted into the position in midweek, but the more experienced Spaniard is set to regain his customary place on Saturday.
2. Midfielders
Ivan Rakitic (CM) - Summer signing Arturo Vidal was given a rare run out as part of Valverde's rotation in midweek, but the more tried and trusted Rakitic is set to regain his integral role in Barcelona's creative hub on Saturday.
Sergio Busquets (CM) - One of the most apparent absences from the midweek lineup was that of Sergio Busquets, the long-standing heartbeat of Barcelona's midfield. The side certainly missed the Spaniard's technical quality and the fluidity that the club icon brings to the team as they scraped to a 1-0 win over lower league opposition.
Arthur (CM) - Further reflecting the surprising degree of importance which the Brazilian has assumed since arriving at the Camp Nou during the summer, Arthur was rested alongside his fellow first team stars, suggesting that the midfielder is very much in favour under Valverde.
3. Forwards
Rafinha (RW) - Like Arthur, fellow Brazilian Rafinha has taken on an increasing role of importance in Barcelona's first XI, much to the surprise of many. The winger had appeared out of the picture after being loaned out to Inter last term, but an injury to Lionel Messi has seen Rafinha regain his place. Messi has now returned to training, but is unlikely to be drafted straight back into the team as a precaution.
Luis Suarez (ST) - In the absence of Messi last weekend, Suarez rose to the fore to steal the show with a decisive hat-trick in the thumping 5-1 win over Real Madrid last weekend and the Uruguayan's red hot form will pose the greatest danger to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
Philippe Coutinho (LW) - Also on target in El Clasico was Coutinho as Barca proved that their attack is more than capable in the absence of regular talisman Messi. The Brazilian appears well settled at the Camp Nou now and a key part of Valverde's restructured attack.