Competition: Spanish La Liga 2016-17
Date: Monday, 16th January, 19:45 GMT
Stadium: Estadio La Rosaleda (Málaga).


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Malaga’s winless run in the league stretched to four matches following a 3-1 loss against Celta de Vigo. New boss Marcelo Romero was unable to start with a positive result, as goals from Iago Aspas, Daniel Wass, and Fonte ensured their slide down the table. Real Sociedad also come on the back of a heavy loss, but against title-chasing Sevilla. Wissam Ben Yedder scored a hat-trick, and Pablo Sarabia chipped in with a goal to ensure a massive 4-0 home loss for Eusebio’s team.

Malaga Preview
Malaga have one of the worst defensive records of the teams outside the relegation zone, and it is surprising considering that they have been the only team to keep a clean sheet against Barcelona this season. Malaga would be 17th in the table purely based on away form, as the team is yet to win on the road this season. The form at La Rosaleda has been their saviour with the team picking up all of their five league wins at this ground. The primary task for new boss Marcelo Romero will be to stop the slide down the table and secure a first win in all competitions since November.

REAL SOCIEDAD PREVIEW
Real Sociedad’s amazing form during October and November have been a major factor in their push for a top-six place. However, a run of just two wins since December is threatening to push the club down the table. Heavy defeats in the last five games mean that Real Sociedad have one of the poorest defensive records amongst teams in the top 10. Only Celta de Vigo (32) have conceded more goals than Real Sociedad (25) in the top half of the table. Willian Jose is the club’s top scorer by a considerable margin with nine.

Malaga Team News
Miguel Torres (thigh) and Zdravko Kuzmanovic (Achilles’ tendon) are the players unavailable for Romero’s team. Federico Ricca (muscle) and Sandro (shoulder) are doubtful for the game. Youssef En-Nesyri is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Real Sociedad Team News
Carlos Martinez (cruciate ligament) and Mikel González (thigh) are the injury worries for Real Sociedad, while Carlos Vela and Raul Navas are doubtful.

Malaga starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Kameni; Juan Carlos, Villanueva, Rosales, Torres; Castro, Fornals; Camacho, Santos, Recio; Sandro
Real Sociedad starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Rulli; Berchiche, Martinez, Gonzalez, Zaldua; Granero, Prieto, Illarramendi; Oyarzabal, Vela, Jose

Betting Tips and Predictions
New boss Romero will be glad to return to home comforts, as Malaga are unbeaten in the last six home matches. In fact, they have suffered just one loss in eight home matches so far. Real Sociedad may not fear this formidable home record, as they have won three out of the last five away games. Real Sociedad possess one of the better away records this season. Their last six trips to La Rosaleda have yielded three wins. This time around, though, I expect Malaga’s home form to help them secure a draw.

Four out of five games involving Malaga have witnessed more than 2.5 goals, while Real Sociedad have seen a similar occurrence in three of their last five league matches. I would expect both teams to be involved in a high scoring encounter once again.


Prediction: over 2.5 Result Draw