Barcelona vs Malaga Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Barcelona have at times come unstuck against a defensive Malaga side in recent years but this promises to be a different kind of game. The Andalusians have been scoring and conceding more goals under Juande Ramos. They’ve scored 9 goals in their last 3 games alone and that includes 2 at the Vicente Calderon, so they have the tools to cause Barca a few problems. Sandro returns to his old club and the striker is in good form with 4 goals in Malaga’s last 5 matches and you can back him to score at anytime at 11/4 here which might just be worth a punt with the Catalans still looking a bit vulnerable at the back.

Both teams have scored in 64% of Malaga games this season and 64% of Barcelona games so there is certainly the potential for goals at both ends. Barcelona’s quality should still see them claim all three points despite the absence of Luis Suarez. Leo Messi has just started to approach top form with some key contributions in their win at Sevilla last time ou, while Rafinha has been having a good season in midfield with 5 goals to his name so far. He has netted 3 goals in his last 2 outings at Camp Nou and has been given real licence to get forward with Busquets and Rakitic being utilised in deeper roles. So backing Rafinha to score anytime at 15/8 could also be a good shout here.

Malaga have only kept 1 clean sheet all season so they have looked vulnerable at the back and are still missing a few defenders so there should be plenty of chances in this game for the Catalans and they ought to have little trouble winning it. However, with Malaga in good form in front of goal and Barca’s defensive issues still very apparent, an away goal looks likely at some point too.

Therefore, there looks to be value in backing Barcelona To Win & Both Teams To Score at 11/8.