Upcoming Opponents: Málaga FC

Team name: Málaga Club de Fútbol

Recent form: L-D-L-D-L

One to watch: Santi Cazorla

Competition: La Liga

Fixture date: 22nd January 2012

Stadium: Estadio La Rosaleda

Coming from a 2-1 midweek Clásico win, Barcelona next face a reformed Málaga away. The southern Spain side currently sit eighth in the La Liga table and trail Barcelona by 16 points. But their recent form has been poor and that has seen them lose ground in the fight for the European places. Málaga have not won since late November having been on a run of three draws and five defeats.

This is a record that looks likely to increase when the Catalans come to town. Barcelona are also in a race but for them it's the title race. Currently five points behind leaders Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola can not afford to concede any more points to José Mourinho's side.

Many will be expecting Barcelona to win this game comfortably. Especially with the adrenaline still pumping from that Clásico win. But Barcelona face Madrid in the second leg this coming Wednesday so will want to finish the game off as quickly as possible to rest some of their key players' legs.

This did not happen for Guardiola last game though. With the Clásico three days away, Barcelona were in the same situation this time last week when they faced Real Betis at home. The opposite outcome came try though as instead of finishing the game off quickly, Barcelona lost a two goal lead and had their blushes saved by two late goals to ensure victory.

An experience Guardiola will be hoping won't repeat itself this Sunday.

Málaga's top scorer this season has been 27 year-old midfielder Santi Cazorla. But with only a disappointing tally of four goals, he doesn't beat Barça's top midfield marksman, Cesc Fàbregas, who has racked up an impressive nine goals in fourteen games.

Málaga have found it hard to hit the net this season. Scoring only 21 goals in 18 games this season. Put that together with a defence that is liable to giving away goals, Málaga find themselves dropping points and slipping down the table.

Barcelona should have their full squad available other than long term injuries David Villa, Pedro and Ibrahim Afellay. Andrés Iniesta has now fully recovered from an injury troubling him earlier in the season. But Guardiola may risk playing some "B" team players as preparation for the Copa del Rey tie midweek.

Both sides will be looking for the three points but for different reasons. Barcelona will be looking to close the gap on Real while Málaga will be looking to end their poor run of form.

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