Alaves face Malaga in the La Liga Round 10 fixture on 23 October 2026. The match kicks off at 20:00 BST (19:00 UTC) at Estadio de Mendizorroza. Alaves hold the 7th position in the league with 11 points from 9 matches. Malaga sit at the bottom of the table in 20th place, having secured 4 points from their 9 games. Our predictions offer more insights.
Alaves vs Malaga Team News
Alaves will be without F. Garces, who is suspended, and M. Rodriguez, a midfielder, is out with an ankle injury. These absences leave them short in midfield.
Malaga face several challenges with J. Lobete, an attacker, and A. Ochoa, a midfielder, both out due to knee injuries. J. Cruz, an attacker, and D. Murillo, a defender, are doubtful with muscle and knee injuries respectively. These issues affect their attacking options and defensive stability.
Alaves vs Malaga Match Preview
Alaves, sitting 7th in the league with 11 points, aim to close the 3-point gap to 6th-placed Sevilla. Meanwhile, Malaga are at the bottom with 4 points, needing to bridge a 2-point gap to 19th-placed Valencia to improve their standing.
Alaves, managed by Quique Sanchez Flores, are expected to control the game, deploying their 5-3-2 formation at home, where they are strong. Malaga, under Juan Funes, likely to use a 4-4-2 setup, will sit deeper and rely on counter-attacks. The midfield battle will be pivotal in determining the game’s outcome.
The match will settle whether Alaves can capitalise on their home advantage to climb the table or if Malaga can defy their poor away form. Football betting tips cover the rest of the round.
Alaves Recent Form
| Match | Date | Competition | Result | W/D/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celta Vigo vs Alaves | 2026-10-18 | La Liga | 2-1 | L |
| Alaves vs Atletico Madrid | 2026-10-10 | La Liga | 1-2 | L |
| Athletic Club vs Alaves | 2026-09-19 | La Liga | 0-0 | D |
| Alaves vs Valencia | 2026-09-15 | La Liga | 0-1 | L |
| Racing Santander vs Alaves | 2026-09-12 | La Liga | 2-1 | L |
Alaves have struggled across all competitions in their last 5 matches, drawing 1 and losing 4, with 3 goals scored and 7 conceded. At home in the league, they have played 5 matches, winning 3 and losing 2, scoring 10 while conceding 5. They have lost each of their last 2 matches, the latest a 2-1 defeat at Celta Vigo on 18 October.
Malaga Recent Form
| Match | Date | Competition | Result | W/D/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaga vs Real Sociedad | 2026-10-18 | La Liga | 2-5 | L |
| Malaga vs Espanyol | 2026-10-09 | La Liga | 1-1 | D |
| Getafe vs Malaga | 2026-09-20 | La Liga | 1-0 | L |
| Malaga vs Villarreal | 2026-09-17 | La Liga | 1-3 | L |
| Celta Vigo vs Malaga | 2026-09-13 | La Liga | 1-1 | D |
Malaga have struggled across all competitions in their last five matches, drawing 2 and losing 3, with 5 goals scored and 11 conceded. In the league, their away record shows 1 draw and 3 losses from 4 matches, scoring just once while conceding 8. The most recent result: a 5-2 defeat at home to Real Sociedad on 18 October.
Alaves vs Malaga Head-to-Head
| Match | Date | Competition | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaves vs Malaga | 2023-05-20 | Segunda División | 2-1 | Alaves |
| Malaga vs Alaves | 2022-12-18 | Segunda División | 1-0 | Malaga |
| Malaga vs Alaves | 2018-05-06 | La Liga | 0-3 | Alaves |
| Alaves vs Malaga | 2017-12-21 | La Liga | 1-0 | Alaves |
| Malaga vs Alaves | 2017-03-11 | La Liga | 1-2 | Alaves |
In their 6 meetings, Alaves have won 4 times, while Malaga have secured just 1 victory, with 1 draw. The goals pattern shows an even split: 3 matches over 2.5 goals and 3 under. The 3-0 win by Alaves at Malaga on 6 May 2018 highlights Alaves’ dominance. With both teams scoring in 3 of these fixtures, this may interest bettors.
Predicted Lineups
Alaves Predicted Lineup
Sivera; Rebbach, Valentini, Koski, Jonny Otto, Tenaglia; Alena, Blanco, Ibanez; Boye, Martinez.
Alaves have used 5-3-2 in 4 of their 9 league matches this season, and this is the eleven that started their last match.
Malaga Predicted Lineup
Herrero; Salinas, Recio, Calero, Rafita; Martinez, Merino, Dotor, Larrubia; Chupe, Nino.
Malaga have used 4-4-2 in 2 of their 9 league matches this season, and this is the eleven that started their last match.
Alaves vs Malaga Match Analysis
In their last 5 matches across all competitions, Alaves have an xG for total of 5.44 but have only scored 3 goals. This indicates they are underperforming in terms of converting chances. Meanwhile, their xG against total is 7.3, with 7 goals conceded, suggesting defensive performance aligns with expectations. That points to the goals markets rather than the result.
Alaves have shown a tendency to score late, with 5 goals coming between the 76th and 90th minute in the league. Conversely, Malaga concede heavily early, with 4 goals allowed between the 16th and 30th minute. This pattern suggests that timing could influence the match’s scoring dynamics. Both teams to score could be a favourable market.
Malaga average 50% possession in their last 5 matches across all competitions, showing a capacity to control the game. However, they face 16.6 shots per match, indicating vulnerability against teams that can exploit spaces. Alaves’ lower possession average of 40.2% might not exploit this, but their shot accuracy could. This suggests potential for the shots markets.
Alaves’ discipline in the league could be a concern, with 15 yellow cards and 1 red card, averaging 1.8 cards per match.
Key Factors
The match hinges on each team’s ability to exploit defensive weaknesses.
- Alaves miss F. Garces, impacting their midfield depth.
- Alaves have scored 10 goals at home in the league.
- Malaga have conceded 8 goals in the league away.
- Alaves have won 4 of 6 meetings with Malaga.
- Alaves have 5 goals between the 76th and 90th minute in the league.
Free Tips
Both sides scored in 4 of Malaga's last 5 matches across all competitions, but only 1 of their 4 away league games did.
3 of the last 6 meetings had 3 or more goals, but only 1 of Malaga's 4 away league games did.
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Our Verdict
I lean towards Alaves to narrowly edge this contest. Their home form in the league and past success against Malaga are significant factors. However, the odds on them as favourites are too short to back with confidence, so I would consider the goals markets instead.
If Malaga manage to exploit Alaves’ midfield absences and capitalise on their own possession, my view could shift. I’m least sure about Alaves’ ability to convert chances, given their recent struggles in front of goal. For more insights, the BC.Game sports betting app offers valuable updates and data-driven predictions.
Prices move, so check them before you bet, and set a limit before you start. If it stops being fun, our Responsible Betting page lists the tools BC.Game offers, and GamCare, BeGambleAware and BetBlocker give free, independent help.
Written by Ian Fletcher, football analyst, Betting.BC.Game
Alaves vs Malaga Prediction
The data points to an Alaves victory with both teams finding the net and more than two goals in the match. Alaves are expected to secure a narrow win against Malaga. Refer to the table below for the selections and the available prices at the time of writing.
Our Prediction: Alaves 2-1 Malaga
| Prediction | Pick | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Match Result | Alaves Win | 1.73 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 2.00 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.87 |
| Correct Score | 2-1 | 7.94 |
Predicted score: Alaves 2-1 Malaga, available at 7.94. It is the likeliest scoreline that fits every tip above, shown as our forecast rather than a recommended bet.
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Alaves vs Malaga FAQ
Who will win Alaves vs Malaga?
I’d lean towards Alaves. They’ve won 4 of their last 6 against Malaga. But with injuries, it’s not straightforward. Consider the goals market for better value.
What is the predicted score for Alaves vs Malaga?
The data points to a 2-1 win for Alaves. Both teams have defensive issues, suggesting goals. Alaves’ past success against Malaga supports this prediction.
Which market offers the best value in Alaves vs Malaga?
Both teams to score at 1.87 looks promising. It’s happened in 4 of Malaga’s last 5 matches. Their defensive records suggest potential returns.
Does the venue matter in Alaves vs Malaga?
Yes, it does. Alaves have won 4 of their last 6 meetings with Malaga. Playing at home could give them an edge, despite recent struggles.
