Athletic looking to take their home form with them

Málaga CF are looking for their third home win of the season against Athletic Club, who sit fifth in Liga BBVA and are looking to close the gap on the Champions League places by taking their excellent home form on their travels.

Bernd Schuster will be without defenders José Manuel Casado and Jesús Gámez due to injury and suspension respectively, whilst Mounir El Hamdaoui has a knee injury. In his press conference the German commented on the aspect of the game his side need to improve: "we need to find a balance between attack and defence".

Ernesto Valverde goes to Málaga without the suspended duo Kike Sola and Aritz Aduriz, who was sent off in his side's last game. Upon analyzing the opponent, Athletic's manager said: "technically they're very good, if we aren't careful they can hurt us. I see it as a test".