Malaga vs Athletic Bilbao preview - Demichelis wary of Bilbao threat

Posted Wednesday, September 21, 2011 by PA

Malaga picked up their second win in a week thanks to a solitary Martin Demichelis header and all-round solid defensive display in a 1-0 win at Mallorca on Saturday but the Argentine centre-back expects to face a stiffer test when his side take on Athletic Bilbao.

Athletic have had a poor start to their league campaign with only one point from three games under new coach Marcelo Bielsa but Demichelis believes his compatriot has the experience to turn things around.

"I know a lot of players who have played under him and they also speak glowingly of him," he said.

"He is very qualified and I don't have any doubt Athletic will fight for the top positions because he is a winner as a coach and goes out to win every game."

Demichelis also expects to come under pressure for Athletic's main man Fernando Llorente, but is confident his time in the Bundesliga has prepared him well for dealing with physically strong players like the Spain international.

"He is a very strong player in the area with a bigger physique than most players in La Liga and if I am selected I will have a lot of work to do," he said. "He is an important player for Athletic and is coming into the prime of his career, but in Germany I also played against a lot of big players."

Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini has made very few changes to his starting line-up so far this season with eight players having started all three games but has hinted he may utilise his deep squad with a few changes due to the short rest period this week.

Nacho Monreal and Isco are among those who could be handed their first full starts.

Athletic had Fernando Amorebieta sent off in Sunday's 3-2 defeat by Real Betis so Javi Martinez will continue to deputise in central defence alongside Borja Ekiza.

Ander Herrera is another long-term absentee whilst Igor Martinez is rated as doubtful.