Team News: Ernesto Valverde sticks with Gerard Deulofeu in attack

Ernesto Valverde has stuck with Gerard Deulofeu in attack for Barcelona's La Liga showdown with Malaga at Camp Nou this evening.

The 23-year-old performed well in his 45-minute display against Olympiacos in the Champions League in midweek when handed a fifth start of the campaign.

Deulofeu, yet to get off the mark with a goal since rejoining the club in the summer, is partnered with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in a side showing two changes from last time out.

Gerard Pique and Paulinho are both absent following on the back of the the 3-1 win over Olympiacos, with Javier Mascherano and Ivan Rakitic filling in.

Barcelona are still without Rafinha, Arda Turan and Jordi Alba, meaning that Lucas Digne continues to deputise at full-back for the latter, as the Catalan giants go in search of a 17th successive home league victory.

In terms of the visitors, they are without a number of first-team players for their trip to the league leaders due to a mixture of injury and suspension.

Diego Gonzalez, Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Recio, Roberto Jimenez and Juan Carlos all miss out, with Malaga aiming to improve on a record that has seen them pick up one win from their first eight games.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Mascherano, Umtiti, Digne; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, L.Suarez, Deulofeu Subs: Cillessen, Semedo, Pique, D.Suarez, Paulinho, Alcacer, Gomes

Malaga: Prieto; Rosales, Baysse, Hernandez, Juankar; Adrian, Rolon, Keko; Castro, Rolan, Penaranda Subs: Cengo, Baston, Juanpi, Cifuentes, Cecchini, Robles, Mula

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