As Luis Enrique prepares his FC Barcelona players for the stiff test against Malaga, the Catalonians know that this would be one of the most difficult matches in the calendar.
The Catalans ran out 1-0 winners last time these two met, but that was at the Camp Nou. This time, it is at the La Rosaleda, which is set to be brimming with 30,000 fans on Saturday. Malaga have always been a bogey team for FC Barcelona, and would be looking to get a point or three out of this game.
Team News
Malaga CF
Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Kameni; Torres, Albentosa, Welington, Rosales; Castro, Camacho, Recio, Juanpi; Cop, Charles.
FC Barcelona
Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Bravo; Roberto, Vermaelen, Mascherano, Alves; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Turan, Suarez, Messi.
Key Facts
- FC Barcelona have been able to score just once in the last 270 minutes of football against Malaga.
- FC Barcelona have not conceded a goal in eight of their last 10 La Liga encounters.
- The Catalans have lost only one of their last 22 matches in all competitions.
- Luis Enrique’s men are in a 12-match unbeaten run in the La Liga.
Prediction
Malaga CF 0-1 FC Barcelona
Malaga have been resolute in defence this season, and have been a bit of a bogey team for FC Barcelona over the last few years. With their defensive workrate and organistaion, FC Barcelona could really struggle, unlike most of their other matches. However, the Catalonians have a team that is one of the strongest in the world, and might just pip this match 1-0, to establish their strong La Liga title challenge.
Odds (Paddy Power)
Malaga CF: 7/1
Draw: 7/2
FC Barcelona: 2/5