Malaga enter this game high on confidence following the four-match winning run, knowing that another victory would see them ensure survival. Sporting Gijon suffered a narrow escape against La Coruna, but they now face an uphill task against high-flying Malaga.

Malaga back to their best

Despite possessing a really good squad for La Liga standards, Malaga experienced major problems in the first part of the season and the team were rock bottom in La Liga with just 23 points at the beginning of March. However, that is when new owner Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani promised the players huge prizes if they manage to save the club from relegation. That seems to have had a very positive effect as Manuel Pellegrini’s side went on to win six out of next eight league games, with the latest four-match winning run clearly the highlight of their season. It appears that new players Baptista, Maresca and Demichelis needed some time to gel and after that process was completed, these high-profile footballers started making a real difference on the pitch. The situation is now completely different as Malaga are very close to securing survival, while the players are brimming with confidence at the moment, which is why their superior quality should help them beat Sporting Gijon as well.

Brazilian Weligton returns to the side from suspension, which leaves Javier Malagueno as the only unavailable player at the moment.

Sporting Gijon still not safe

Sporting Gijon currently sit in ninth place with 43 points, but seeing they are just four points clear of the bottom three, los Rojiblancos cannot relax just yet. Manolo Preciado’s side have done pretty well this term even though they had been considered one of the main candidates for the drop, and the team owe it all to their impressive home showings. Having won just two away games this season, Sporting don’t have much to hope for before the match with in-form Malaga, although the visitors are aware one point from this match would virtually ensure them survival. Sporting are considered one of the toughest team to beat in La Liga, as witnessed by their record of 13 draws in 35 games, but I really doubt they have what it takes to match a very good Malaga side that are brimming with confidence at the moment.

Nacho Novo returns to the side from suspension, but Diego Castro is out, while Gaston Sangoy and Andre Castro are doubtful.

Verdict

Malaga have been in impressive form of late and they have got to be considered hot favourites in this match. Sporting were very lucky to avoid defeat to La Coruna, having scored two penalty goals, one of which deep into injury time, and I really doubt they can survive the trip to La Rosaleda.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 1.80 (4/5)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power