Prediction: Malaga vs Barcelona

20th May 2011

High-flying Malaga have secured La Liga survival after they shared spoils with Athletic Bilbao, but Manuel Pellegrini’s side will be looking to end the season on a high by taking at least one point from this match. Barcelona are already preparing for Champions League final, although a victory at La Rosaleda would help them keep the spirits high before the Manchester United game.

After Sheikh Abdulah Al Thani completed the club takeover last summer, Malaga fans were hoping that a heavy investment in the playing squad would result in a very good season for los Boquerones. However, just the opposite happened as Malaga started the season very slowly and soon found themselves involved in the relegation fight. The team failed to show any improvement under new coach Manuel Pellegrini, who, in all fairness, needed some time to make this team his own, but Malaga eventually managed to hit top form in the crucial stage of the season. The amazing five-match winning run saw them climb out of the relegation zone, while the point brought from San Mames meant the team have secured survival. The match against Barcelona will, therefore, have no special significance, although the hosts will be looking to continue the great run. That will not be an easy task, however, since key players Julio Baptista, Jose Salomon Rondon and Martin Demichelis are unavailable.

Barcelona enter this match in high spirits, having already secured La Liga title and qualified for the Champions League final, and there is no doubt that Pep Guardiola is going to demand a victory at La Rosaleda. After the Catalans clinched the league title with a draw against Levante, the boss decided to field a second string side against Deportivo La Coruna and that was the main reason why the Catalans failed to beat Depor at Camp Nou. However, with just seven days to go before the Champions League final game at Wembley, Guardiola will be looking to give his key players some playing time, so we can expect a pretty strong side against Malaga, which should result in yet another win for Barcelona. Carles Puyol and Gabrial Milito will be given enough time to recover for the Champions League final, while Messi, Villa, Iniesta, Xavi, Pique and Valdes will be rested.

Conclusion

Malaga have been in remarkable form of late, but the hosts are now missing three very important players, which will damage their chances against mighty Barca. Even though Pep Guardiola will not field his strongest side, away win should never come into question.

Verdict: Away win Barcelona (2)

Best Odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: Victor Chandler