Verdict: Malaga win
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Seeking a crucial Segunda boost this weekend, Malaga will welcome Ferrol to La Rosaleda on Saturday evening.
Malaga
Starting with the hosts, only making their Segunda return this season, Malaga have a real battle on their hands in the race to keep hold of their second-tier status in 2025. Getting Saturday’s showdown underway holding just a four-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone, Sergio Pellicer’s side are firmly looking over their shoulder. Suffering consecutive 2-0 losses against Albacete and Cadiz over the past fortnight, the Andalusia-based outfit are desperately seeking some much-needed stability. Despite signing off February with back-to-back wins against Tenerife and Cartagena, Saturday’s hosts have won just a pair of their 10 Segunda appearances since returning from Spain’s festive break. Likewise, Pellicer’s inconsistent squad have also notched just a sole Segunda victory at La Rosaleda since the middle of December.
Malaga Team News
Shown a second-half red card away at Albacete last week, Spanish U19 international Izan Merino will miss out through suspension on Saturday evening. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, Malaga will also be without Haitam Abaida, Ramon Enriquez and Daniel Lorenzo.
Currently away with Ireland’s U19s this month, Aaron Ochoa will not play any part here. Despite notching just a pair of Segunda strikes so far this season, former Dinamo Zagreb youngster Roko Baturina could be handed a full recall at La Rosaleda.
Racing de Ferrol
As for the visitors, although some in Ferrol’s camp might have opened up the 2024/25 campaign with their sights set on mounting a genuine play-off charge, Alejandro Menendez’s men have endured a real Segunda nightmare. Getting Saturday’s trip to Andalusia underway sat firmly in the drop zone, the Green Devils are also 13 points adrift of safety. Appearing to lose their Segunda status with a real whimper this season, Saturday’s guests are seeking what would be a miracle in 2025. Getting March underway with a 3-1 drumming at the hands of Huesca, Ferrol have registered just a sole point from any of their previous seven appearances. It should also be highlighted, Menendez’s side have niched just a single goal in over 500 minutes of action.
Racing de Ferrol Team News
Not featuring over the past month and still dealing with a muscle injury, Ferrol are once again expected to be without former Getafe defender Erick Cabaco on Saturday evening. However, ex-Leganes midfielder Luis Perea Hernandez could return to Menendez’s travelling squad this weekend.
While veteran defender Naldo might be set to turn 37 this year, the former Sporting Lisbon Stadionr could be handed a full recall at La Rosaleda. Getting himself back to full fitness over the past fortnight, Fran Manzanara should get some more minutes under his belt here.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Malaga and Ferrol met for their reverse Segunda showdown on August 17th, Saturday’s opponents played out a 2-2 stalemate in Galicia.
- Malaga have recorded just a pair of Segunda victories from their 10 appearances since opening the New Year.
- Ferrol have collected just a single point from any of their previous seven Segunda appearances.
- The Green Devils have also notched just a sole Segunda strike in over 500 minutes of action.
- Malaga have recored just a single Segunda victory at La Rosaleda since the middle of December.
Conclusion
Getting Saturday’s showdown underway holding just a four-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone, Malaga face what is a real must-win battle here. Mustering just a pair of Segunda victories since returning from Spain’s festive break, the Anchovies will have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders this weekend. However, with Ferrol mustering just a sole point from any of their previous seven consecutive outings and appearing to lose their Segunda status with a whimper, we are backing a home victory at La Rosaleda.
Verdict: Malaga win
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
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