Malaga vs Real Betis preview - Pellegrini anticipates continued form

Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini is confident his side can build on their fine recent run of form when they host Real Betis.

The Andalusians have taken 16 from the last 18 points available to move level on points with third-placed Valencia in the Primera Division table and Pellegrini is hoping his side can strengthen their hold on a Champions League place this weekend with Los Che due to take on fifth-placed Levante on Sunday.

He told the club's website: "We're in a good position and in good form with a team who can go forward and who have responded well to everything regardless of who plays.

"We now have two home games, but that doesn't mean we'll earn six points. We need to be conscious of how we're playing, not where we're playing, for the entire 90 minutes, and give a great performance.

"It's a very important game. Valencia and Levante are also playing each other, and it's important that we don't let the three points get away.

"We'll be sure to maintain our concentration on the pitch so we don't get any surprises. Regardless of the opponents, though, I believe Malaga are in good enough form to come away with three points".

Goalkeeper Willi Caballero has joined Jeremy Toulalan and Joaquin on the sidelines with a hand injury so Carlos Kameni will make his first start in goal since joining Malaga in January.

In contrast to the hosts, Betis have been in awful form of late, having not won in their last six matches, and manager Pepe Mel has warned his players they are not yet safe from the drop.

He told the club's website: "My job is to prepare as best as I can and to look at the future with optimism.

"I am instilling the effort in the players for the six weeks remaining of the season. Our situation isn't urgent, but it isn't comfortable. We must not fall into the temptation that everything is finished and we have an unbridgeable gap."

Mel will be without some key players too as centre-back Paulao is definitely out and Benat Extebarria and Iriney are doubtful so youngsters Alex Martinez and Damian Petcoff have been called up to the squad from the Betis B team.