FC Barcelona return to action with a tough run of games ahead of them. They will face direct rivals for the title (Sevilla, Atletico and Real Madrid) as well as more Champions League games (Inter, twice) in a gruelling run of fixtures.
Sevilla lead the table in Spain with 16 points, one more than Barça and Atletico. Madrid are fourth with 14 points, the same as Espanyol and Alaves.
DOUBTS
Barça went into the international break full of doubts and debates due to three negative results -- the draw against Girona (2-2) and Athletic Club (1-1) and the defeat to Leganes (2-1). Even the win at Tottenham (2-4) and the draw against Valencia (1-1) didn't change too much. .
The negative sensations come from defence, the are most criticised this season due to the number of goals conceded -- plus the injuries to Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen. Ernesto Valverde is left with just two fit centre-backs for the next month: Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet.
During the international break, Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique have all rested. Luis Suarez has done work on a knee injury, too. Valverde, therefore, is hopeful of improvements.
The next week could be crucial: Sevilla, Inter and Madrid are all due at Camp Nou. In November, Barça travel to the Wanda Metropolitano to face Atletico
Here's the calendar:
