Mallorca vs Barcelona

5/1- As Laliga returns after the Christmas break all teams would be hoping to gain momentum in the second half of the season, Barcelona struggled in their last match played against Real Madrid and as a result now stand at the second position, 7 point adrift from the league leaders. In the first match of the new year, they travel to Mallorca in the quest of the champions crown. Mallorca, the 10th placed team, had been struggling before the break, in the last 4 matches played in the league they lost 2 and drew 2 hence they could only manage 2 points of 4 matches and the worst part is that their last match against Osasuna, they were comprehensively beaten.

Looking at the past records between the clubs, Barcelona have been the dominant side, of the last 20 matches played, Barcelona have won on 12 occasions while 3 have been draws hence Mallorca have won only 5 times. Mallorca’s home form also has not been that impressive this season and they have struggled at times, with Webo and Nunes out of contention,, the problems for the home team are further aggravated. But Mallorca can hope that Guiza, Arango and Ibagaza can produce the quality of football they are known for and this would increase the club’s chances of getting a few points of this match.

Barcelona would be stepping on the field with Messi, who has been their most reliable goal source this season and with Henry appearing to be tentative starter it is important that Ronaldinho can find a glimpse of the form he displayed in the previous seasons. Barca would be looking for 3 points from this away tie to cut down on Real Madrid’s lead. Mallorca on the other hand would try to ensure that they can get at least a point of this match.

Prediction: 2-2