Previews
FRI 10.03.2017
Team News:
- Malaga CF: Bakary Kone, Recio, Juanpi, Zdravko Kuzmanovic (all injured); Pablo Fornals (suspended).
- D. Alaves: Einar Galilea and Ruben Sobrino (both injured); Alexis and Theo Hernandez (both suspended).
Match Facts:
Malaga CF (15th, 26 pts)
- Michel has taken over the Malaga hotseat, following the departure of Marcelo Gato Romero, and his opening fixture in charge is at home to Alaves. Here's what the new boss had to say about the challenge that lies ahead: "I have a footballing philosophy which I always have to tailor to my squad, and that means both the players and I have to adapt, based on what they are capable of. We want them to feel comfortable from day to day and see how far they can go. We wish to turn our form around and boost the players' morale."
-Malaga are used to turning difficult situations around, as shown by the fact that they have picked up more points from losing positions than any other LaLiga Santander side (19) so far this season.
D. Alaves (11th, 34 pts)
- Although Mauricio Pellegrino's troops have only lost two of their last eight matches on the road (4W, 2D), the Argentine coach is fully aware of the potential danger involved in taking on the Andalusian outfit with a new coach in the dugout: "Malaga have some very good players and Michel is a great coach, so we know it'll be a tough game." He is also keen for his charges not to take their foot off the gas because of their favourable league standing, and is much more interested in the bigger picture: "I think league positions aren't the be-all and end-all right now. What's important is that we keep improving and performing well."
- Alaves tend to produce their best football in the second half of games, having scored their last eight goals in LaLiga Santander after the break.
Getting to La Rosaleda:
Address: Paseo Martiricos, 29011 Malaga
Bus: Stops 1505 and 1570 on line 15
Stadium location here
Time: 18:30 CET
Stadium: La Rosaleda
Referee: Undiano Mallenco, Alberto
TV: Watch the game in your country
Hashtag: #MálagaAlavés
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