MatchPreview:Malaga vs Barcelona

Spain»La Liga - 2013/2014»

Malaga	vs	Barcelona
	Kick off: 20:00 Date: Sun, 25-Aug-13

Probable Lineups

4-1-4-1

Malaga

4-3-3

Barcelona

• Caballero
• 5.25

• Antunes
• 7.1

• Chen
• 6.68

• Angeleri
• 6.81

• Gámez
• 7.1

• Tissone
• 7.44

• Fabrice
• 6.57

• Portillo
• N/A

• Morales
• 6.5

• Darder
• 6.87

• Cruz
• 5.99

• Valdés
• 7.01

• Alba
• N/A

• Mascherano
• 8.67

• Piqué
• 8.48

• Alves
• 8.35

• Iniesta
• 6.57

• Busquets
• 7.78

• Xavi
• 8.61

• Neymar
• 6.47

• Fábregas
• 9.36

• Sánchez
• 8.75

Probable Lineups Statistical Comparision

• 
• Malaga

(0) 0 Goals 3 (7)

(0) 0 Assists 2 (4)

(6.6) 6.6 Average Ratings 8 (8.1)

25.5 Average Age 27.1

179.7 Average Height (cm) 176.2

(1.2) 1.2 Shots pg 2.5 (2.8)

(43%) 46% Aerial Duel Success 62% (50%)

(2) 2 Dribbles pg 2.2 (1.8)

(3.6) 2.9 Tackles pg 2.3 (2.2)

• 
• Barcelona

* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in LIGA BBVA.

Missing Players

Player	Reason	Status	Rating
Weligton		Out	N/A
Flavio Ferreira		Out	N/A

Player	Reason	Status	Rating
Ibrahim Afellay		Out	N/A
Isaac Cuenca		Out	N/A
Carles Puyol		Out	N/A
Lionel Messi		Doubtful	10

Team News

Malaga

• Bartlomiej Pawlowski could make his competitive debut for Malaga after the Polish FA approved his transfer.
• Weligton and Flavio Ferreira will both miss out through injury.

Barcelona

• The main concern for Barcelona is the possible absence of Leo Messi, who has been training double in order to recover from a hamstring injury he picked up in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
• Even if the Argentine does return, Neymar is expected to make his first start for Barcelona, replacing Pedro. The Brazilian scored his first goal for the club seven minutes after coming on against Atletico.
• Cesc Fabregas lifted Barca's performance against Simeone's side and could earn a place in the starting XI again, especially if Messi does not recover.

Match Facts

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 30 of Barcelona's last 34 games in La Liga.	Over 2.5 goals 1.62
Barcelona have scored at least 2 goals in 26 of their last 28 away matches in La Liga.	Over 1.5 goals 1.18
Barcelona have scored at least 2 goals in their last 12 matches against Malaga in all competitions.	Over 1.5 goals 1.18
Malaga have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 9 matches against Barcelona in all competitions.	Over 2.5 goals 1.62
Barcelona have won 11 of their last 12 matches against Malaga in all competitions.	Barcelona win 1.33
Barcelona have won their last 6 matches in La Liga.	Barcelona win 1.33
Barcelona have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 4 matches in La Liga.	Barcelona win/win 1.95
* Best odds for selected bets are shown

Prediction

• Malaga were disciplined against Valencia last week, but showed none of the attacking flair that made last season's side so exciting to watch.
• Barcelona blew Levante away, but struggled against Atletico, particularly in the first half.
• Malaga will provide sterner opposition than Levante, but with little threat going forward; Barca will be given free reign to attack as they please.
• If Neymar is handed his long awaited start, he will be keen to make his mark and will be even more dangerous if Messi does not play.
• With or without Messi, Barcelona should take care of this weakened Malaga side and leave La Rosaleda with another set of three points.

Prediction:

Malaga

0

4

Barcelona