Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola is taking a huge risk for the match against Malaga in the La Liga after it was revealed that players like Cesc Fabregas will not be involved in the match.
Xavi and Carlos Puyol are the players who have been handed a rest for the match against Malaga, which is going to be crucial because of the fact that Real Madrid have a five point advantage over Barcelona. Even though there is a long way to the end of the season, many have been pointing that a five-point advantage in the Spanish league is something very crucial.
Only the top three or four teams are capable of playing against the best, whereas the other teams simply crumble against the likes of Barcelona and the Real Madrid. Even though Barcelona have been quite spectacular in the matches against Real Madrid this season, they have failed to deliver the goods when it matters the most against lower opposition. Hence, many have been suggesting that the lead that Real Madrid currently enjoy is almost unassailable even if Barcelona win their home match against Real Madrid later in the season. Barcelona recently won 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Copa del Ray quarterfinals.
One of the biggest advantages Barcelona have in this match will be the fact that Malaga will be without the services of their star midfielder Jeremy Toulalan. Further, Joaquin will also be unavailable as well. Jeremy Toulalan has been the key man in midfield for Malaga this season and the club very much need him to be in the midfield in order to function properly. Despite the arrival of many big-name signings, the reliance on Jeremy Toulalan and his subsequent absence means that Barcelona have a great chance against Malaga during the weekend.