Revived Malaga will attempt to extend the good run of results when they host Atletico Madrid, a team that could climb to the top of the standing after the game at La Rosaleda, albeit for some 24 hours.

It took los Boquerones quite a while to recover from the numerous departures this summer and new boss Bernd Schuster had his work cut out for him, with the club unable to make any high-profile signings.

And even though at one stage it looked as though Malaga might get involved in the difficult relegation tussle, the team showed a great deal of improvement at the end of 2013 and in turn climbed to 10th in the overall standings.

Los Boquerones are hoping the winter break will not have stopped their momentum, with Bernd Schuster’s side earning a 1-1 draw at El Madrigal before recording back to back victories over Getafe and Elche.

With the players now brimming with confidence, there may be some value in backing both teams to score at odds of 2.08 (27/25).

Important midfielder Fernando Damian Tissone misses out through suspension, whereas Mounir El Hamdaoui and Jose Cassado are out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Caballero – Gamez, Sanchez, Weligton, Antunes – Darder, Camacho – Morales, Portillo, Duda – Juanmi.

The first part of the season has been absolutely amazing for Atletico, with the team impressing in all the competitions entered.

While they secured their place in Champions League knockout stages with two games to go, los Colchoneros also eased off to Copa del Rey Last 16 stage, while their league campaign is a story in its own.

Midway through the La Liga campaign, Atletico sit tied on points with leaders Barcelona and five points clear of arch rivals Real Madrid, which has got to be considered a remarkable achievement.

Everybody is obviously wondering if los Colchoneros can keep it up until the end of the season, but nobody can really afford to write them off from the title race.

Given that Diego Simeone’s men are on a six-match winning run in all competitions, odds of 1.55 (5/9) offered on away win do look tempting.

It remains to be seen whether new signing Jose Ernesto Sosa will be in contention, but midfielder Gabi and Raul Garcia are out through suspension.

Captain Mario Suarez remains sidelined through injury, whilst summer signing Leo Baptistao looks set to be loaned out.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Courtois – Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Luis – Arda, Koke, Tiago, Torres – Costa, Villa.