Monday’s La Liga action sees Malaga look to cement their place in the Champions League qualification places courtesy of a win against Europa League hopefuls Osasuna.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men are currently in fourth position, two points clear of Levante in fifth.
Malaga travel to Reyno de Navarra in Pamplona on Monday evening looking to ensure they will take the fight with Los Che for the third spot, which avoids the need of a play-off to qualify for the Champions League group stage, to their massive upcoming showdown at La Rosaleda.
Malaga star Santi Cazorla claims they have “five finals” remaining, starting with the match at Osasuna this week.
Los Boquerones have been in stuttering form of late with just two wins in their last five games including a 1-1 draw at home to Real Sociedad last time out following on from a 2-1 defeat at Villarreal the week before.
However, they could be boosted by the return of influential duo both Joaquin Sanchez and Julio Baptista for the run-in which Cazorla feels could swing things back in their favour.
“Joaquin was in great form when he was injured and we are a much stronger side with Julio in it. They are two key players,” he said.
Osasuna are also in some inconsistent form ahead of the action with Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men losing three of their last four games, which included shipping five and six goals against Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano respectively.
However, they will know a win against Malaga could move them up the table and to within just two points of their opponents with European football very much in their sights.
Osasuna have also enjoyed the best of the recent head-to-heads with two wins a three draws in their past five meetings, including a 3-0 win in last season?s encounter on home soil.
Both sides would be boosted by picking up three points but Cazorla?s admission that Malaga would just be happy to avoid defeat on their travels – at Osasuna, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona – and pick up maximum points in their remaining home games against Valencia and struggling Sporting Gijon.
Therefore, it appears that both sides will cancel each other out and share the spoils.
Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 12/5
Value Bet: 1-1 Correct Score @ 11/2.
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