Barcelona v Malaga
Football: Spain, Primera Division
Sunday, 22nd March 2009 - Kickoff 18:00

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Barcelona (1st - Home Rec : 11-2-1 46:10)

Barca manager Pep Guardiola has mentioned that his priority will always be their next game. With the international break coming up Barcelona would at least want to maintain the 6 points on the top of the leader board.

Barcelona will go into this game missing three of their starting four defenders with Carlos Puyol, Eric Ebidal and Gabi Milito all injured. Gerard Pique is rated doubtful and Martin Caceres is the likely replacement if Pique fails to make it.

Caceres will partner Mexican international Rafeal Marquez accompanied by Daniel Alves and Sylvinho.Club captain Xavi should partner Sergio Busquet and Yaya Toure to complete a three man midfield leaving Samuel Eto, Henry and Lional Messi up front.

Samuel Eto is on red hot form this season. His eye for goal haunts every opponent he has faced this season. Already 23 goals under his name in La Liga this season, Eto would want to continue scoring and win the golden boot. He would be a key figure to keep an eye on however the brilliance of Lional Messi should never be forgotten.

Malaga (6th - Away Rec : 5-3-5 21:21)

Malaga is currently in-form and should not be underestimated by any means.

Malaga will be boosted by the number of key defenders Barcelona are missing for this clash BUT they will be missing Nabil Baha through injury.

Malaga themselves are the fourth highest scoring team on the road and they will be looking to penetrate this weak back line.

Migual Angel is suspended for the game while Weligton and Javier Calleja are the other players out injured. The absentee of Migual Angel in midfield would mean that Apono would have to work twice as hard if Malaga were to walk away with points.

Betting Statistic :

Under the asian handicap line this season, Barcelona have paid out eight from the possible fourteen at home, losing five.

On the other hand, Malaga have almost the best away record under the AH line on the road. Malaga have won nine from the possible thirteen, losing four. A very impressive record.

The Betting Verdict :

The battle is won and lost in this the middle of the park. If Yaya Toure and Sergio Busquet fails to give sufficient cover to the defense, Malaga might well find the back of the net a couple of times.

This is the business end of the season but because Malaga are very impressive on the handicap line and Barcelona are giving up almost two goals, be better bet would be Barcelona to win the game and over three goals.

Barcelona are wonderful going forward but without so many key defenders, they seem vulnerable at the back.

The Statistics :

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Barcelona to win

Also worth playing is Over 3 goals