Fifth-placed Malaga aim to continue the good run of results and further close the gap behind their top 4 rivals, whereas Villarreal need to win few games in a row in order to return to where they belong.

Malaga owners spent huge amounts of cash on new players in the summer, which was one of the main reasons for club’s uptrend in fortunes.

Los Boquerrones have started the season in bright fashion, winning four of their first six games in La Liga, but straight defeats to Levante, Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano threatened to hurt their top 4 bid.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side soon returned to winning ways, with seven points from next three games helping them return to the brink of the top 4 place.

After beating Racing Santander away from home, Malaga are 1.75 (3/4) with Paddy Power to win this game as well.

Winger Joaquin is set to miss out with a muscle problem, whereas Jesus Gamez, Julio Baptista and Eliseu continue to miss out. Martin Demichelis is doubtful through injury, but Apono returns to the side.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Caballero – Sanchez, Demichelis, Mathijsen, Monreal – Isco, Duda, Toulalan, Cazorla – Van Nistelrooy, Fernandez.

Villarreal have been one of the biggest disappointments this season, although the Yellow Submarine have finally started to show some improvement.

Following the dismal start to the season that not only saw them get eliminated from Europe but also cost them quite a few precious points, Villarreal have won their last two home games in La Liga, while bringing one point from Montjuic.

The good run of results did see them move away from the danger zone, but Juan Carlos Garrido’s side are still nine points behind fourth-placed Levante.

Seeing that the win over Malaga could help them return to the race for European places, odds of 5.40 (22/5) offered by Victor Chandler on away win could be worth a shot.

Gonzalo Rodriguez and Cani have resumed full training and will be in contention, but Rossi, Nilmar, Zapata and Catala remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Lopez – Mario, Gonzalo, Musacchio, Oriol – De Guzman, Bruno, Senna, Valero – Perez, Ruben.