La Liga: FC Barcelona vs Malaga CF: Predict the Score

FC Barcelona will be looking to become the third (or fourth, depending on the result in the evening's earlier match between Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano) side to claim six points from their opening two matches, as both Athletic Bilbao and newly-promoted Villarreal secured their second wins of the campaign earlier in the weekend. Athletic Bilbao are hoping to challenge for a UEFA Champions League qualification place under the guidance of new coach Ernesto Valverde -- and they looked impressive on Friday night at the Anoeta against a wasteful Osasuna performance. Villarreal on the other hand were simply hoping for survival, even if they have invested rather heavily (by La Liga standards) in their playing squad following promotion. But after two matches, perhaps they have designs on something more -- with a second comeback victory in two games, this time against Real Valladolid, it's safe to say that confidence will be high at El Madrigal.

Thanks to their landslide win over Levante in Jornada One, Barcelona should regain their place at the top of the table with any victory tonight -- and are expected to cruise to victory against a much-changed Malaga outfit. Even in the absence of Lionel Messi, Barcelona have talent in abundance: Neymar, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Andres Iniesta -- the list goes on and on; just how can Bernd Schuster compete with the Blaugrana?

Chances are that he cannot -- at least not without a tactical rethink. 10 men behind the ball with an emphasis on counter-attacks; it's probably the only way that Malaga can grab something from this match. But will it be enough? Will Bernd Schuster come back to haunt Barcelona once again, or will Gerardo Martino secure revenge on Frank Rijkaard's behalf by guiding Barca to heavy win at La Rosaleda? Predict the score of tonight's match by leaving a comment below. Best of luck!

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• Atlético 1 - Barça 1: A Lesson in Tactics
• FC Barcelona News: 23 August 2013: Barca Sign Denis Suarez, Lionel Messi Doubtful For Malaga Match
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