Malaga vs Real Sociedad preview - Pellegrini predicts close-fought finale

Posted Sunday, April 15, 2012 by PA

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini expects six tough games between now and the end of the season as the Andalusian side try to seal a place in the Champions League for the first time in their history.

Pellegrini's men have, like many sides in the Primera Division this season, suffered from a degree of inconsistency, but he believes that is just down to the strength of the league from top to bottom.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's home game against Real Sociedad, he told the club's website: "There are six games left and the difference is very tight. We have to go game by game and try to beat all our opponents. Every team has good players and Sociedad are no exception.

"There is very little difference between teams in the Spanish league and we have to play well to stay in the advanced positions. The fewer points our rivals take the better, but the only thing we can do is win our games."

The Chilean coach will be forced to start third-choice goalkeeper Ruben Martinez as Willy Caballero is injured and Carlos Kameni is suspended after being sent off in the 2-1 midweek defeat to Villarreal. Duda is also banned, but Martin Demichelis will return to take his place in midfield.

Sociedad coach Philippe Montanier's mind is more focused on just trying to keep his job for next season after reports this week linked Valencia boss Unai Emery with a return to the Basque country.

The Frenchman reckons his side are developing and will only improve given the young average age of the squad.

He told a press conference broadcast on the club's website: "I have a contract and my intention is to be here next season. This team will be better next year. I have opened the door to a lot of young players and there are many who, although lacking a little experience, have a bright future.

"We are on a good run with five points from the last nine and in Anoeta we've taken 16 of the last possible 21. Therefore I think, despite what people say, the team is doing fine. I know they aren't points towards qualifying for the Champions League, but they have helped keep us up because we are 10 points off the relegation zone."

Montanier will be able to call on Imanol Agirretxe and Vadim Demidov after they returned to training towards the end of the week, but Mikel Aranburu and Markel Bergara are both expected to miss out through injury.