Malaga vs. Barcelona: Key Issues That Will Shape the La Liga Clash

After a very impressive start to the new season, Barcelona will be looking to continue their winning ways on Wednesday when they travel to take on La Liga rivals Malaga.

For Luis Enrique’s side it is a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table, but it will also be an opportunity for Malaga to turn their fortunes around. While it will not be an easy match by any means, the Catalans will certainly be heavy favorites.

In this article we will take a look at a few key issues heading into the La Liga clash and discuss how the match should unfold. As always, feel free to get involved in the discussion in the comment section below and tell us how you think the game will go on Wednesday!

Wing Play

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When these two La Liga foes face off on Wednesday there will be significant focus on wing play. Malaga love to play down the flanks and are at their best when Juanmi and Victor Antunes are bombing down the left.

At the same time, Barcelona’s ability to use spacing could make wing play all the more important. The likes of Dani Alves and Jordi Alba will have their hands full all night, but will also prove menacing for the Malaga back line.

Due to the fact that Barcelona always enjoys the majority of possession, Malaga will not have as many opportunities to use the wings as they would like. The Catalans would be wise to keep play more centrally focused, but with their style of play that could prove harmful for La Blaugrana.

Truthfully, Barcelona’s midfield will be the key to stopping Malaga’s counterattacks. The home side will get their chances though and that means Alves and Alba must be ready to stay back at times.

The Tale of 2 Streaks

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Going into this La Liga clash, both sides find themselves in two completely different states of being.

Barcelona have won every match they have played this year and are yet to concede a single goal. Luis Enrique’s side continues to get better with each passing day and is a well-oiled machine at this point.

On the other hand, Malaga happens to be going in the opposite direction if recent form tells us anything.

After winning their first match of the La Liga season against Athletic Club Bilbao by way of a few questionable calls in the final minutes of action, Javi Gracia’s side has yet to win again.

When these two clubs cross paths this week, it will be a tale of conflicting storylines. One side will be trying to get back on the right path; the other is looking to make sure they don’t slip up.

Regardless of the outcome, Wednesday’s match is going to be tantalizing to say the least.

Luis Enrique's Consistent Rotations

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While nothing is certain in football, there are always a few things that can always be expected. When it comes to Barcelona, fans should know by now that Luis Enrique is a fan of using wise rotations.

Lionel Messi is the only player that has started every single game this season, and with the match against Malaga being a midweek clash, there is hardly a way of guessing what the lineup will look like at kickoff.

Last weekend saw the likes of Gerard Pique rested for the entire match, which could mean he is primed to start against Malaga. Munir El Haddadi could also return to the fold in place of Pedro.

Malaga manager Javi Gracia will certainly have his hands full while trying to devise a game plan to face Barcelona, especially with him not knowing how the Catalans will line up.

2 Sides in Transition

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Before the season even began, it was clear that Barcelona and Malaga were two clubs in a time of transition. Luis Enrique had taken over the Catalan giant, while Javi Gracia was put in charge of a Malaga side that lost leader Willy Caballero in the transfer window.

Both clubs are still trying to figure out their identity this early in the season, which only makes this clash all the more exciting.

Barcelona’s style of play has not changed much from the past few years, but it is clear that La Blaugrana is doing some things differently under Enrique. At the same time, Gracia has brought his own style of play to Malaga and the players have been slightly struggling to adjust to the new system.

When Malaga hosts their visitors on Wednesday, fans will get a good look at two clubs who have done a lot to improve over the past few months. While everything points to an easy Barcelona victory, Malaga will certainly try to make things very difficult in front of their own fans.

How will the match play out on Wednesday? What key issues will determine the La Liga clash? Leave your thoughts and comments below!