Barcelona limped to a UEFA Super Cup title and lost the Supercopa de España, but they got the job done last weekend, squeaking out a win away to Athletic Bilbao in their La Liga opener. This week, at home against Málaga, they’ll expect to post their first truly convincing win of the season.
Barcelona vs. Malaga 2015 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The Blaugrana will be eying a convincing victory.
Neymar has yet to play this season, thanks to a case of the mumps. He’s been sitting in quarantine for a few weeks, leaving Barca thin thanks to the sale of Pedro and their inability to register Arda Turan.
Barca have been playing Rafael Alcantara on the wing in Neymar’s absence, and to mixed results. Neymar could make his debut in this match, and if he doesn’t, Barca are going to look a bit narrow. That’s not helped by an injury to Dani Alves, especially since Aleix Vidal isn’t allowed to replace him yet.
Key matchup -- Charles vs. Sergio Busquets
The key to pulling off an upset for anyone playing away to Barcelona is making the most of a small amount of chances on the counter. And the key to making that work is making life hard for their safety net, in and out of possession, Sergio Busquets. Charles will have to make it hard for Barca to go back to him, as well as bypass him on the counter on a few occasions, for Málaga to have a chance. Busquets picked up a knock last week, but is not listed as injured, and should start.
Upset potential -- Low
This is not the megabucks version of Málaga. They have a handful of quality players and should stay in La Liga, but they’re lacking punch at the moment. Barcelona should coast to a win, even if Neymar can’t play.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Douglas (unknown), Dani Alves (hamstring), Arda Turan (ineligible), Aleix Vidal (ineligible). In doubt: Adriano (groin), Neymar (illness).
Málaga injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Ignacio Camacho (groin), Flavio Ferreira (back).
Match date/time: Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. local
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada), Sky Sports 3 (U.K.), Canal+ (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), Fubo, Sling (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), Canal+ (Spain)
Listings for other countries at LiveSoccerTV.
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