Having secured survival thanks to the impressive run of results, Malaga will be looking to prove their quality against what will be a weakened Barcelona side. Pep Guardiola is likely to rest some of the starters in this match, but that doesn’t mean that Catalans will not be going for a win at La Rosaleda.

16 points from last 6 games

Despite investing piles of cash in the playing squad during the last two transfer windows, Malaga had major problems in the first part of the season and up until recently it looked as though they wouldn’t be able to avoid the drop. However, los Boquerones managed to find their form in the crucial stage of the season and have subsequently ensured survival thanks to the run of five successive wins. That run came to an end last weekend as Malaga could only bring one point from San Mames, which should, nonetheless, be considered a great result. With the pressure finally off their back, Malaga are expected to produce a good game against champions Barcelona, although it remains to be seen how the hosts will manage to cope with the more illustrious opponent. Their job will be made easier by the fact that Barca will be without several first team regulars, but the Catalans, nevertheless, remain favourites to win this game.

Martin Demichelis is banned after being sent off against Athletic Bilbao, while Julio Baptista and top scorer Julio Rondon miss out through injury.

Barcelona preparing for Champions League final

Having missed out on the Copa del Rey title after losing to Real in the final, Barcelona won’t be able to claim another treble of titles, but they have a great chance to add another Champions League trophy to their cabinet. The Catalans have already secured the La Liga title, meaning they can afford to relax against Malaga, although I certainly believe Pep Guardiola will be looking to win this game and keep the spirits high before the Manchester United game. After almost all first team regulars were rested against Levante, the boss is likely to field a strong side against Malaga as two weeks without a game would not be the perfect preparation before the Champions League final. Even if he decides to rest a couple of starters, Barcelona should have enough quality to win this game.

Carles Puyol and Gabriel Milito are definitely out, while Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Pique and Valdes will be rested.

Verdict

Malaga have been doing pretty well of late, but I still doubt they have the quality to match a side like Barca, especially without three key players. The Catalans are looking to end the La Liga campaign on a high and I see a great value in betting on away win, given the very high odds on Barca.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.25 (5/4)

Bookmaker: Bodog