Barcelona will be without Gerard Pique and Ivan Rakitic when they travel to Malaga in their next match. Both players received their fifth yellow cards in the 3-0 bashing of Sevilla and therefore Luis Enrique will not have the services of the players.
Messi returned to the last match as he inspired a jubilant Barcelona to take a huge step towards their 25th La Liga title and kept the pressure on Real Madrid as they shrugged off the challenge of title contenders Sevilla in style. The win strengthened their position as they remain only two points behind Real Madrid who continues to be on top after a 4-2 victory over Leganes.
With a trip to Juventus in the offing, Luis Enrique will be trying to rotate his squad a bit to keep the players fresh for the Champions League tie. The Catalans will be coming to the match from 3-0 victory over Sevilla and would like to continue to keep the pressure on their archrivals.
Predicted 4-3-3 Barcelona Lineup against Malaga
Defence
Ter Stegen managed to keep a clean sheet in the last match. The German shot-stopper is expected have a much easier task as Malaga have been struggling to find the net at the moment.
Gerard Pique will miss the match he is carrying a one-match suspension after getting his fifth yellow card in the last match. Javier Mascherano will have a chance to exploit his chances in the centre of defence.
Samuel Umtiti has been a constant in the Catalans defence and should stay in the starting lineup.
Keeping an eye on the Juventus game, Luis Enrique might give a much-needed rest to Jordi Alba. In that case, Lucas Digne will pave his way into the starting lineup.
Sergi Roberto has settled pretty comfortably in his new position lately and should get the nod on the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Ivan Rakitic’s absence will compel Enrique to make a change and Andre Gomes should make it to the starting lineup.
Andreas Iniesta’s contribution to this Barcelona team cannot be denied and in this age, he is capable of pulling the strings with ease. The veteran will once again use his vision to set the pace in the centre of the park.
Sergio Busquets has been a warrior in the central midfield and his defensive duties will be very important to stop the Malaga counterattack.
Attack
Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez are set to continue in the front three positions.
