Malaga vs Almeria preview - Martinez warns Almeria defenders

Posted Saturday, January 03, 2015 by PA

Coach Juan Ignacio Martinez thinks his defence will have to be as solid as a rock if Almeria are to avoid defeat at Malaga on Saturday.

Martinez's team ended 2014 on a high by recording a rare win at Celta Vigo, but they begin the new year with one of their most difficult assignments yet.

Malaga go into Saturday's match at La Rosaleda on the back of a four-match winning streak in all competitions.

Their only two league defeats since October have come against champions Atletico Madrid and Champions League holders Real Madrid.

Martinez expects Malaga to have far more chances than Almeria this weekend and that is why he knows his defence will have to be at their best to ensure they come away with anything.

"We are going to play against a team that is in form," Martinez told a press conference.

"They have players who can cause problems and young, hungry players.

"We have to be a rock, defensively and then try to grow as a team and take advantage of the few opportunities we will have."

The victory over Celta Vigo has not clouded Martinez's judgement on his team's performance over the first half of the season.

Almeria are only outside of the bottom three on goal difference and their coach knows relegation could beckon if there is not an improvement in form.

"The victory against Celta made Christmas more enjoyable, but we are aware that we have not achieved anything," said Martinez, who has won both his matches since succeeding Francisco Rodriguez.

"We have very few points and that's why we are where we are in the league."

Forwards Thievy and Jonathan Zongo will play their last match before leaving for the African Nations Cup, where they will represent Congo and Burkino Faso respectively.

Ramon Azeez and Mane return after missing the Celta game, but Fernando Soriano is unavailable due to an ankle injury and Sebastian Dubarbier misses out through suspension.

Malaga welcome back Samuel and Roberto Rosales from suspension, while forward Juanmi has recovered from the arm injury which has kept him out of the last six matches.

Malaga coach Javi Gracia admits January will be a crucial month for his team.

"Over the next few weeks, if we don't play well in the cup, we're only in the league competition, and in the league we've got some exciting matches on the way," said Gracia, whose team sit seventh in the league, level on points with Sevilla.