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Malaga vs. Barcelona: Preview and TV schedule
Malaga’s rebuilding project faces a tough early season test as they welcome Barcelona to La Rosaleda.
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Tata Martino could hand Neymar his first start for the Blaugrana with the news that Lionel Messi has been left out of the squad after failing to recover from a thigh injury. Even without arguably the world's best player, Barcelona have a plethora of options up front to fill the role with Neymar and Cesc Fabregas being the most likely candidates.
There will likely be some rotation in the lineup from Martino with his side facing a the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday.
Malaga struggled in their season opening loss against Valencia and things won't get any easier this week.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Lionel Messi (thigh), Issac Cuenca (knee).
Malaga injuries and suspensions
Out: Weligton (collar bone). In Doubt: Flávio Ferreira (back)
Messi’s thigh will keep him out of the squad this week and while it’s definitely a blow to lose a player of his calibre, Barcelona are well stocked and will likely not miss a beat. Malaga defender Weligton remains out with a fractured collar bone.
Projected lineups
Barcelona: Victor Valdés, Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquts, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas, Pedro Rodriguez.
Malaga: Willy Caballero, Jesus Gâmez, Marcos Angeleri, Roberto Chen, Vitorino Antunes, Fernando Tissone, Duda, Sergi Darder, Pedro Morales, Fabrice Olinga, Roque Santa Cruz.
Match Date/Time: 9 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: La Rosaleda, Malaga, Spain
TV: beIN Sport USA (U.S.), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.), Canal+ 1 (Spain).
Online: beIN Sports Play (U.S.)
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