Match Preview – 19:45 Kick-Off at La Rosaleda Stadium, Malaga

Malaga manager Michel replaced the outgoing Juande Ramos in early March and was immediately tasked with redressing Boquerones catastrophic run. Malaga have one just once in their last 17 games, losing 11 of those fixtures, a calamitous series of results that has seen them tumble down the table. They may still be 6 points clear of the relegation zone in 15th position, but things could get very nervy for them if things don’t pick up soon.

Atlético have been performing below their high expectations in La Liga thus far. They have gone from title challenges to also-rans and cementing a Champions League spot in 3rd or 4th position is really the best they can hope for with Real Madrid and Barcelona out of reach at the top. Atlético have lost just twice in 17 games in all competitions, however, with both defeats suffered at the hands of Barcelona, in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

Despite Malaga’s atrocious form, the one sliver of positivity they can take is that they have only conceded more than 2 goals in a game once in 11 outings. That might be grasping at straws a little but Michel needs all the good news he can get right now. A double each from Kevin Gamiero and Yannick Carrasco helped Atlético to a 4-2 over Malaga the last time the sides met back in late October.

Malaga’s recent results

Mar 19th 2017 Leganes 0:0 Malaga - La Liga

Mar 11th 2017 Malaga 1:2 Alaves - La Liga

Mar 5th 2017 Athletic Club 1:0 Malaga - La Liga

Feb 28th 2017 Malaga 1:2 Real Betis - La Liga

Atlético Madrid’s recent results

Mar 19th 2017 Atlético Madrid 3:1 Sevilla - La Liga

Mar 15th 2017 Atlético Madrid 0:0 Leverkusen - Champions League

Mar 11th 2017 Granada 0:1 Atlético Madrid - La Liga

Mar 5st 2017 Atlético Madrid 3:0 Valencia - La Liga

Odds

Malaga 9/2

Atlético Madrid 4/6

Draw 5/2

(Odds taken from Bet365)

Malaga v Atlético Madrid Predictions

With Malaga’s confidence at rock bottom and Atlético starting to put their foot down in the race for a high placed finish, only one outcome looks likely here and that’s an away win for Diego Simeone. Malaga have scored just 4 goals in their last 5 home games. Couple this with the fact that Atlético have kept 3 clean sheets in their last 4 games and things look very clear indeed. Away win.

With Malaga’s lack of fire-power and Atletico’s defensive solidity considered, Bet365’s odds of 8/5 for the away side to win to nil look very enticing. Elsewhere, Ladbrokes offer interesting odds of evens for Atlético to be winning the game after 60 minutes. Simeone’s men should be well in control by then.

Our Tips

Atlético to win to nil 8/5 Bet365

Atlético to be winning after 60 mins EVENS Ladbrokes