There are 5 points between Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga table, but the Catalans will have a chance to top the standings temporarily when they travel to Malaga on Sunday.
Barcelona won their last league game at home to Real Betis 4-2 as they tried to keep the pressure on their arch-rivals. They hold the second place with 41 points after 18 games, following 12 wins, 5 draws and a single loss in the league so far.
They have lost 11 points already away from home this season; thus, extra cautiousness will be needed to avoid a setback at La Rosaleda. Malaga haven’t been too impressive away from home either; two draws and six defeats have clearly stamped this fact.
They sit in 10th position with 25 points, but are only seven points above relegation. They might be looked upon as underdogs because of Barcelona’s capabilities, but one must not forget that Malaga will be profiting from the home advantage.
While there could be a rotation in the Barcelona squad due to El Clasico next week, Pedro Rodriguez is expected to make his return in the line-up. He could be joined by Isaac Cuenca, Sergi Roberto and Jonathan dos Santos. David Villa, Ibrahim Afellay and Seydou Keita are all unavailable.
For Malaga, ex-Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni could make his debut. Ruben and Julio Baptista have no chance of performing, but it is the other way around for Helder Rosario, Joaquin, Duda and Jeremy Toulalan.
They have lost 11 points already away from home this season; thus, extra cautiousness will be needed to avoid a setback at La Rosaleda. Malaga haven’t been too impressive away from home either; two draws and six defeats have clearly stamped this fact.
They sit in 10th position with 25 points, but are only seven points above relegation. They might be looked upon as underdogs because of Barcelona’s capabilities, but one must not forget that Malaga will be profiting from the home advantage.
While there could be a rotation in the Barcelona squad due to El Clasico next week, Pedro Rodriguez is expected to make his return in the line-up. He could be joined by Isaac Cuenca, Sergi Roberto and Jonathan dos Santos. David Villa, Ibrahim Afellay and Seydou Keita are all unavailable.
For Malaga, ex-Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni could make his debut. Ruben and Julio Baptista have no chance of performing, but it is the other way around for Helder Rosario, Joaquin, Duda and Jeremy Toulalan.
