Preview: Malaga-Alaves

Malaga begin life under new boss Michel Gonzalez when they host Alaves in La Liga on Saturday.

Michel replaces Marcelo Romero, who was sacked after just one win in 10 games at the helm, leaving Malaga 15th in the table, just seven points above the bottom three.

“When I spoke to Camacho on Tuesday, he told me he was still struggling but that he thought he was going to make it,” the former Sevilla, Olympiakos and Marselle Coach said at a Press conference.

“It’s important that we wait for him. Madrid’s youth system is very productive. I wish the Madrid players at Alaves all the best.

“I don’t want to say what my XI will be, although I can say that it’s clear to me.”

Alaves’ Mauricio Pellegrino felt Malaga had been unlucky under Romero but was nonetheless wary of the Andalusians’ “great change” in fortunes under Michel.

“They’ve been competent with any Coach,” he told reporters.

“They have great players and Michel is a great Coach who has a lot of ability. He can make a great change on a tactical level.

“He’ll rely on his best players and it’ll be a very tough match on all levels.”

Malaga: Kameni; Rosales, Demichelis, Hernandez, Juan Carlos; Keko, Diego Llorente, Camacho; Chory; Sandro, Charles

Injuries/suspensions: Juanpi (I), Kone (I), Kuzmanovic (I), Fornals (S), Recio (I)

Alaves: Pacheco; Femenia, Raul, Laguardia, Feddal; Marcos Llorente, Manu; Toquero, Camarasa, Ibai; Deyverson

Injuries/suspensions: Alexis (I) Edgar (I) Galilea (I) Sobrino (I)

Referee: Undiano Mallenco

Form guide: Malaga (L L L D W) Alaves (D L W W L)

Previous meeting: Alaves 1-1 Malaga

Kick-off time: 17:30 GMT/18:30 CET

La Liga - Club News