- Team form: Las Palmas have won four and drawn one of their last five home games in all competitions, losing none.
- Away form: Malaga CF have won three of their last three away games, losing none.
- Head-to-head: Las Palmas have failed to win either of their last two home matches against Malaga CF.
Playoff first leg has psychological importance
Match context
Two of the most in-form teams in LaLiga 2 prepare to go head to head in Sunday's promotion playoff first-leg clash when Las Palmas entertain Malaga CF at Estadio Gran Canaria.
Las Palmas are a force at home, winning four and drawing one of their last five at Estadio Gran Canaria, while Malaga CF have won each of their last three on the road and they are a confident, even arrogant unit when they travel.
Odds and motivation
Malaga CF are slight underdogs at 3.9, with the draw at 3.14, and this looks a tough call with plenty of motivation for both sides to earn the upper hand for the second leg.
Las Palmas are the slight favourites at 2.14, but we have to oppose them in the money line due to Malaga's recent success against them and the fact that they have been in red-hot form away from home.
Chess game in the cards for promotion first-leg
There are stark differences between these two teams in terms of their tactical approach and philosophy, which could make for an interesting tactical chess match on Sunday.
Las Palmas, under Luis Garcia, play a possession-first, high-tempo style and flood the wide areas to press the opponent high up the field and win the ball back in the opponent's half.
Malaga, on the other hand, are a more pragmatic unit who like to sit deep and compact, inviting pressure onto them before breaking with pace and structure. Juan Funes has done a remarkable job at the club since November, transforming Malaga into a tough nut to crack across all competitions and they are coming into the clash in great form – W5, D3 and L2 from last 10 in all competitions.
Malaga will be very difficult to break down on Sunday and a draw could be on the cards, although Las Palmas are on a great run of form – W7, D1 and L2 from their last ten in all competitions. The Gran Canaria club have won their last four and tied the other in all competitions at home and they will be up against a Malaga CF side that they have not beaten in their last couple of home games.
Malaga’s Chupe a clear danger
Both teams to score (Yes) is the main selection for this matchup at 1.81 because it is always tense in games like these when there is a psychological edge to the clash. Under 2.5 goals looks likely at 1.77 because there will be so much on the line in this first-leg and both coaches will have a few tweaks in their plans to get an edge over their opponents.
Las Palmas have conceded only three goals in their last five at Gran Canaria, so they should keep things tight at the back, although Malaga have the firepower to score. The Andalusian outfit are averaging 2.67 goals per game away from home, having scored 16 times in their last six road games in all competitions.
- Manuel Fuster has been a driving force for Las Palmas in recent weeks, creating three assists in their last five and providing the creative spark from midfield.
- Jese has re-discovered his scoring prowess for the hosts and has notched three of their last eight goals in the last five games, while Chupe is Malaga's dangerman with six of their last 13 goals.
