In Monday evening’s only Spanish Primera Liga clash Malaga will look to secure maximum points at Racing Santander at the fourth time of asking in recent meetings.
Manuel Pellegrini’s Malaga side occupy sixth position in the standings at the time of writing and can move to within four points of current third-placed side Valencia with a victory against Racing.
The Chilean coach’s options are limited due to the loss of key men such as Julio Baptista and Kris Stadsgaard due to respective injury problems, while he could also be tempted to make some changes as several of his players have returned from international duty over the past few days.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, Enzo Maresca and Sergio Sanchez could all gain a start in the game.
Malaga’s target of a top-four finish and Champions League qualification this season was hindered by a draw against Real Betis in the Andalucian derby last time out. Therefore three points are the target on this occasion in order to keep pressure on the teams above them.
However, that mission will not be helped by the fact that Racing have a decent record against them and they will be hoping to continue that at the Estadio El Sardinero as they need points for very different reasons.
Hector Cuper’s side currently occupy third-bottom spot and could find themselves in deeper trouble should Sunday’s results go against them.
They go into the match without the suspended striker Ariel Nahuelpan, whilst Lautaro Acosta, Kennedy Bakircioglu and Jairo Samperio are all out due to injury.
However, Cuper is boosted by the return of Papakouli Diop from suspension and veteran midfielder Gonzalo Colsa is set to play for the first time this season after surgery as they look to go one better than the goalless draw with fellow strugglers Granada a fortnight ago.
It looks like the scene is set for Malaga to secure three points at Racing Santander, although the recent form guide suggests it will be a tricky test for Pellegrini’s men.
Racing have picked up five points from their last three games, including a win against Real Betis and draw at Seville, while Malaga have been rocked by the loss of Baptiste to a foot injury which will sideline him for another month.
And, Pellegrini summed up how difficult it will be for his Malaga side to come out on top when he said: “They’re not an easy opponent, we’re prepared for a difficult, close game tomorrow, where the difference will be minimal.”
With that in mind, we feel the likely outcome will be another share of the spoils in this Monday night showdown.
Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 9/4
Value Bet: Draw 1-1 Correct Score @ 11/2
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