With their winning run having come to an end, Malaga need to try and return to the right track, although los Boquerones are not exactly too keen on facing Barcelona at the moment.

The Catalans are searching for the sixth consecutive triumph, hoping to place extra pressure on La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.

The current season has been full of ups and downs for Malaga, but the most important thing is that the team are now at a safe distance from the relegation zone.

Los Boquerones were in all sorts of problems at the start of December, but the Copa del Rey defeat to lowly Mirandes appears to have served as a wake-up call.

While they also lost the return leg against the minnows, Malaga went on to record four straight victories in La Liga, defeating leaders Atletico Madrid in the process.

By doing so, they successfully escaped the danger zone, and they remained in mid table in spite of taking one point from next two matches.

Malaga have stayed without important winger Nordin Amrabat as he joined Watford, while Arthur Boka misses out through suspension.

The likes of Juan Carlos, Miguel Torres and Flavio Ferreira are all in the infirmary and are unlikely to play any part against Barcelona.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Kameni – Rosales, Albentosa, Weligton, Anor – Duda, Camacho, Recio, Castro – Charles, Cop.

Barcelona have been quite relentless most of the time this season, although they currently trail Atletico Madrid in the La Liga standings, albeit with a game in hand.

The Catalans haven’t seen a lot of league action of late, having mostly been involved in Copa del Rey, where they are closing in on a place in the semis.

Following the 6-1 aggregate win over local rivals Espanyol, Barcelona enjoyed a 2-1 away triumph over old rivals Athletic Bilbao, with Munir and Neymar scoring the all-important goals.

The Catalans now shift their focus back to La Liga, where they need to negotiate the tricky trip to La Rosaleda, but they are available at 1.95 (19/20) for a half-time/full-time win.

Luis Enrique will have superstar Leo Messi back to the side after he recovered from a muscle problem, whereas Luis Suarez will be recalled after serving a two-match ban.

Aleix Vidal is rated doubtful after suffering a knock at San Mames, while Jeremy Mathieu and Rafinha Alcantara are definitely out.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Bravo – Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba – Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta – Messi, Suarez, Neymar.