Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Segunda División match.
Eibar still have a mathematical chance of finishing in the top six, but to achieve that, they must win every remaining fixture, as they currently sit 10 points adrift of sixth place. Their next opponents, Málaga, have managed just three points from their last six matches and are dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Eibar
Eibar are unbeaten in their last eight outings, although an excess of draws remains a concern — four of their last five games have ended level. That said, the squad have shown strong defensive discipline, conceding only 35 goals all season — the second-best record in the division behind leaders Elche, who have allowed just 28. Eibar are well-organised, especially at home, where 12 of their last 13 fixtures have stayed under the three-goal mark.
Málaga
Málaga, by contrast, are in a precarious position. They have lost five of their last six games, failed to score in four of those, and their sole victory came against bottom club Racing Ferrol (2:0). The team have slipped towards the relegation zone and are showing signs of vulnerability at the back. In 14 second-half-of-the-season matches, they have conceded 19 goals — the same number they allowed across the previous 21 games. Their attack has also struggled, with only one goal in their last three fixtures, while top scorer Dioni Rojano has scored just once in his past nine appearances.
Eibar vs Málaga Prediction
Eibar come into this match in solid form and will welcome one of the poorest-performing sides of recent weeks. Málaga have dropped into the relegation battle, and both their defence and attack look weak at this stage. Eibar are expected to avoid defeat here, and the match is unlikely to feature many goals.
