Match Preview: Málaga CF vs FC Barcelona FC Barcelona takes on a considerably weaker Málaga at La Rosaleda in the second match of La Liga 2013/14. This Málaga side is very dissimilar to the one that reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season against Borussia Dortmund, only to be defeated by two extra-time goals that could be deemed unfair by many. It has been weakened by a host of outgoing summer transfers — Isco to Real Madrid CF, Joaquín to Fiorentina, Martin Demichelis to Atlético Madrid and Jérémie Toulalan to AS Monaco FC. Barça enjoyed a great start to its league campaign with a thumping 7-0 victory against Levante leading people to believe that the Barça of old was back. However, that sensation was short-lived as the Catalans were held to a dogged 1-1 draw by Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid in the midweek Supercopa encounter. The same doubts have arisen since then, against teams that deny Barça space. It’s up to manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino to formulate a strategy to evolve his new squad’s playing style to counter teams that sit deep and are disciplined defensively. Martino will look to rest Xavi for the Supercopa second leg against Atléti after playing two matches in succession. Attacking midfielder Sergi Roberto should take his place and should provide some much needed impetus from midfield with his driving runs. The big news, however, is that Lionel Messi is not included in the match squad for the trip to Malaga. This could be the day that Neymar Jr makes his first start for the blaugrana in a competitive match. Cesc Fàbregas should return to the starting lineup in the false-nine role that he was employed in to varying success last season. Team News Málaga Málaga has been hit hardest in the transfer market with all its star players departing for greener pastures, while incoming transfers have been low-key. Central defenders Flávio Ferreira and Weligton are set to miss out due to injury. Predicted starting XI: Caballero, Antunes, Chen, Angeleri, Gámez, Tissone, Fabrice, Portillo, Morales, Darder, Cruz FC Barcelona Carles Puyol continues his recovery program while Messi receives physiotherapy treatment. Martín Montoya and Oier Olazábal miss out on the final match squad. Full match squad (19 named): Valdés, Pinto, Piqué, Fàbregas, Xavi, Pedro, Iniesta, Alexis, Neymar, Dos Santos, Mascherano, Bartra, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Adriano, Tello, Dani Alves, Song, Sergi Roberto Predicted starting XI: Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Adriano; Iniesta, Busquets, Sergi Roberto; Neymar, Fàbregas, Alexis Prediction It is imperative that Barcelona keeps the momentum in the league with a win, especially since tough fixtures against Valencia, Sevilla and Real Socieded are up next. In the absence of Messi, the onus of scoring goals will rest on Neymar, Alexis and Fàbregas. Given Málaga’s weakening over the summer, and Barcelona being in relatively good form, one could expect a 1 – 3 away win for Barça. -agnick-
Posted on: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 13:51:16 +0000
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