Malaga vs Barcelona preview - Guardiola to ring changes

Posted Saturday, May 21, 2011 by PA

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola may rest most of his stars for the Primera Division finale at Malaga but has called on those who do play to show him that they could step up for the Champions League final.

The Catalans celebrated retaining the league title in style last weekend with an on-field singsong as they lifted the trophy in front of their fans at the Nou Camp after a goalless draw against Deportivo La Coruna.

With the Champions League final also still to come against Manchester United next weekend, the mood in the Catalan capital could hardly be more buoyant.

Only Victor Valdes and Javier Mascherano retained their places from the side that sealed the title at Levante against Depor but there were also important run-outs for Eric Abidal and Bojan Krkic as they make they were back from prolonged spells of illness and injury respectively and both could be involved again.

Guardiola is likely to hand his fringe players a chance to impress - just as he did against Depor - and the Barca boss wants them to give him something to think about ahead of the May 28 Wembley showpiece.

"We have to play a professional game, whoever plays," Guardiola said.

"They have to show me that they want to play in the final.

"I hope that they play with the fear of knowing that this could perhaps be the last time they get to a Champions League final."

The pressure is also off for Malaga, who have secured their survival with a terrific run of form. Manuel Pellegrini's side are unbeaten in their last eight league games and have won five of their last six.

However, two key players in that run - strikers Julio Baptista and Salomon Rondon - will both miss the match through injury.

With survival secured, the Malaga players want to savour the chance to take on Barca.

"It's a game to be enjoyed," midfielder Apono said.

Defender Weligton added: "We are playing against the best team in the world and we need to enjoy the match."