Preview: Malaga vs. Barcelona

Barcelona travel to Malaga on Sunday with the hope of extending their lead at the top of the La Liga table to 14 points.

The Catalans go up against their Spanish opponents in the same week that star striker Lionel Messi won his fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or gong.

The Argentina international and his teammates will be hoping to thwart the progress of Malaga, who sit in fourth place on 31 points and a victory could put the side within two points of current champions Real Madrid.

Roque Santa Cruz is expected to start up front for the home side this weekend, while Pedro is likely to start for Barca following his brace against Espanyol last weekend.

Recent form

Malaga: WLWDW

Barcelona: WWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Malaga: Caballero; Gamez, Weligton, Demichelis, Monreal; Camacho, Joaquin, Eliseu, Portillo, Isco; Santa Cruz

Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Pigue, Puyol, Alba; Fabregas, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets; Messi, Pedro

Sports Mole says: 1-3