Mallorca vs Deportivo La Coruna

22/3- La liga is getting more and more interesting as the season is approaching its end, while most leagues have teams fighting it out at the top La liga is also seeing a  battle between 8 teams to keep away from the relegation zone. This weekend two such teams fight it out when the 11^th placed Mallorca play hosts to the 13^th placed Deportivo La Coruna. While Deportivo have shown good form in recent matches and have won 5 of their last 10 matches, lost 3 and drawn 2 the home team have only managed a couple of victories in the last 10 matches and have lost one match while all other matches have been draws. The last time both these teams played each other was earlier this season and the match ended as a draw. Looking at the overall record between the two sides Mallorca have a slight edge as they have won 6 of the 21 games played in the last 15 years while Deportivo have managed only 5 victories. A notable fact is that though the teams are separated by 2 positions on the points table they are on the same number of points.

Mallorca have been in decent form but have not been able to win a match for quite some time now but they have not lost many matches either but last week’s loss against Espanyol would be a big concern as they are only a couple of points away from the relegation zone even though they are on the 11^th spot.

Deportivo on the other hand would be high on confidence after they were able to beat the league leaders and defending champions, Real Madrid at home last week. Also their performance away from home has been decent this season and they would be looking at some points from this match.

Prediction: 1-2, Deportivo win

Espanyol vs Mallorca

16/3- After a disappointment against the league leaders last week Espanyol return home and this week they prepare to play hosts to Mallorca. While Espanyol are played 7^th on the points table their visiting opponents are 4 places behind them at the 11^th spot and both teams have a different style of playing as well. While most matches played by Espanyol result in a win or a loss, Mallorca are a team that has managed high number of draws this season. The data shows that Espanyol can be a highly inconsistent side while Mallorca can be relied upon as consistent performers. The last match between the two sides that took place earlier this season ended as a 2-2 draw and also the overall record shows that the teams have been on par with their performances. Out of the 21 matches played between the sides each side has managed to win 9 games while the remaining three have been draws.

Espanyol’s recent form has not been that impressive and out of the last 10 matches they have lost 7 times while have managed to win on 3 occasions only. Also with the dipping performances they are losing out on the position they gained on the points table after their efforts in the first half of the season. They would have to revive their form is they wish to score some important points in this tie or else they stand a good chance of losing further on their current position.

Mallorca on the other hand would be on a high as they managed a 7-1 victory over Recreativo Huelva last week and they would carry the confidence into this match. They have been strong defensively and have lost only a single match in the last 10 while there have been 7 draws and 2 victories for the side.

Prediction: 1-1, draw.

Getafe vs Mallorca

3/2- Getafe have managed to get a lot of attention after their victory against real Madrid last week. The team currently placed 10^th on the points table was able to upset Real Madrid, that too on their home ground, something that no other team has done throughout this season. After such a moral boosting result they are back at home and would play hosts to Mallorca this weekend. Mallorca are currently placed a couple of positions below the home team on the 12^th spot they would be entering the match after having drawn their last 4 matches. The last time both this teams had played each other was earlier this season and Mallorca had managed to win the match with a 4-2 score line and they also are better off when we look at the overall records for both the sides however on the basis of current form Getafe might just hold the edge over Mallorca and more so as they are the home team and have a decent home record as well.

Getafe fans would be hoping to see their team bring in the magic they exhibited in the away tie last week and three points here could mean that the side can surely climb some places on the points table and also start planning for probably a top 5 finish if they can upset the teams above them. The biggest strength for Getafe is the team effort their players have put as they are in the top 10 without any striker scoring more than 3 goals this season.

Mallorca would have to be careful as they would be visiting to play a side in supreme confidence and since Mallorca are just three points above the relegation zone they cannot afford a slip at this stage. Mallorca were able to draw their last match against Real Betis at home and a similar result here would be fine as well.

Prediction: 2-0, Getafe win

Mallorca vs Real Betis

24/2- It might be one of the most evenly contested match this week as Mallorca play hosts to Real Betis. Both teams have moved a little away from the relegation zone and are trying to establish themselves in a comfort zone. While Mallorca are placed 11^th on the points table, Real Betis are on the 14^th spot but the difference in points between the two teams is just one. While Mallorca have been struggling to find the winning goal and have drawn the last three matches played Real Betis would go into this match with a positive frame of mind as they beat the league leaders real Madrid at home last week. The last time both these teams took on each other was earlier this season when Real Betis blanked out Malloca 3-0 in a home tie. The overall head to head record however is tilted in Mallorca’s favour as they have won 9 of the 19 matches while Real Betis have won just 8.

The home team would be hoping to make the most of the crowd support and get a full three points of this match especially after they have not been able to get more than a point in the last three matches. The problem for them has been that they have not been able to create chances but are heavily relying on mistakes from the opposition. Guiza has been the premiere striker and if he can deliver Mallorca would just get the edge over their competitors.

Real Betis on the other hand have come a long way from being in the relegation zone to a team that beat the league leaders. They would be oozing with confidence and would be raring to go against Mallorca and a win here would do a world of good to the side. They do have the potential but now it is how well they use it.

Prediction: 1-2, Real betis win

Valladolid vs Mallorca

17/2- Valladolid would be going through the nightmares after they were thrashed 7-0 at Real Madrid by the league leaders last week. After three successive victories in laliga they have now completed three successive losses and hence they find themselves in the 13^th spot and only 3 points clear of the relegation zone. This week they play hosts to the 11^th placed Mallorca who have been in rather average form as they come into the match after a decent match against Almeria last week at home which ended in a draw. The last time both teams met was earlier this season and Mallorca won the tie 4-2 playing at home and the visitors also have a better head to head record as they have won 7 of the last 15 matches played between the clubs while there have been 4 draws.

A look at the current form would suggest that the home team have a mixed bag record, of the last 10 matches played by them they have managed to win 4, lost 4 while drawn 2 matches while Mallorca on the other hand have had 6 draws, 3 losses and a solitary victory. Valladolid would be hoping that the home ground and crowd support to bring its players out of the shock they received last week. Llorente has scored 10 goals this season and would be expected to score this time as well as his team takes on Mallorca in a crucial tie. Guttierrez would be the other player which the visitors would try and cover.

Mallorca on the other hand would be aware that Vallodolid have been really poor on the defensive front and the likes of Guiza and Arango would like to make the most of this opportunity. Mallorca would try to get at least a point of this tie and pursue an entry in the top half of the table.

Prediction: 2-2, draw

Levante vs Mallorca

20/1- There are two teams in Laliga that separate themselves from the rest in their very own way, while one is at the top of the table the other is at the extreme end. Levante, unfortunately, is on the wrong end of the table. The team has been in practically no form since the commencement of the season and the things do not appear to be changing. They have lost 4 of their last 5 matches with the one remaining being a draw. They look to be out of the top division already and would need only a miracle to pull them out of the place they are in as of now. Mallorca have been in no great form as well and their visit to Levante might help them to capitalise and gain some points. Placed at the 13^th spot the team is a mere 3 points above the relegation zone and their recent performances have not been strong either, with a record of 3 loses and 2 draws in the last 5 matches they seem to be no better than Levante but this visit would be different as the host team is mentally out of the league already.

Levante come into this match after the 2-0 loss against league leaders Real Madrid last week, Rigano has been their inform player and has managed to score 4 goals this season. More than scoring Levante would have to defend out the threat from the opposition which they have failed to all this season. On the other hand a win for Mallorca would see them climbing the ladder and reach a safer position that would possibly keep them away from the relegation zone. Guiza could be the player to watch out from Mallorca and anything less than 3 points would be disappointing for them.

Prediction: 0-1, Mallorca win

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

Racing Santander vs Mallorca

9/12- Two equally competitive teams will take on the field as Racing Santander take on Mallorca. The home team Racing is just a spot about their opponents but are coming on the back of a 3-1 loss to Real Madrid and hence this home match becomes very important. On the other hand their eighth placed opponents could only manage a home draw against a weaker team like Murcia last week. Though both the teams have performed decently this season their last week’s performance was not that great and hence this clash gains more importance.

 

Racing Santander on one hand have been a team that has attacked fairly but defended exceedingly well and more so at home hence scoring against them will not be that easy. Mallorca are a side different on their strategy, they have given away quite a few goals but have scored at a even higher rate showing that their defense is moderate but the team’s strength lies in their attacking power. Mallorca however will be without the sevices of players like Miguel Angel Moya, Gonzalo Castro and Varela and this could be a huge setback for them. However the presence of Ibagaza, Webo and Guiza are the three players Mallorca fans will be banking on to gain some points of this away fixture.

 

Racing will also be without Sergio Sanchez but the return of Captain Pablo Pillinos , Marcano and Navas will be a boost for the home side. Moreover they will have the crowd behind them and this could be a key factor in this tense encounter. As Mallorca coach Manzano has admitted that their side would have to score and for that exhibit good skills and moves as scoring against Racing will not be easy at all. A win here could possibly take Racing into the UEFA cup spot, which is evading them by just a position currently.

 

Prediction: 1-0, Racing win

Mallorca vs Murcia – 2/12

The match will be a story of two teams who were slipping in form and position until last week of LaLiga both had suffered two back to back losses before their last week encounters. While Murcia was able to get a gutsy 1-1 home draw against Real Madrid, Mallorca was able to steal a 2-1 away win at Sevilla. Mallorca is a better balanced side and is placed 8^th on the table as to a comparatively lower ranked Murcia who are on 13^th position. Mallorca would surely like to make the most of the home advantage and get the full 3 points but Murcia, as they showed last week, are no walk over.

 

The biggest problem for Murcia this season is their scoring ability, the highest number of goals by a person is just 2 and they have scored less than a goal per match while the attacking options for Mallorca are very strong as they have managed more than 2 goals every game on an average this season. Mallorca can bank on the striking abilities of Daniel Guiza and also their influential coach Manzano who has been able to get the best out of this ever promising team. The only place where Murcia seems to be stronger than their counterparts is defense but the difference between the sides is not that high as well.

 

The return of Mejia may be a good thing for Murcia but that alone would not help against a formidable opposition, at the most Murcia would like to hold on the ball and get a point of this away fixture on the other hand Mallorca will go all out in order to cement its place at the top half of the table and climb up spots with most of the top teams being involved in tough ties.

 

Prediction: 2-0, Mallorca win

Real Madrid vs Murcia

A very crucial match for Real Madrid as it will help them better their away record  and there is no better way to beat a team lying in the bottom half of the points table. Murcia was drubbed 3-0 by Valencia last week and the coming tie looks no easier. Real Madrid though was able to maintain a 100% win record at home, were a bit scratchy against Mallorca last week. Defense seems to be a major concern for the defending champions and current league leaders as too many goals are being given away.

 

On the brighter side Real Madrid have been thundering oppositions with the services of Raul, Van Nistelrooy and Robinho in the front and Iker Casillias has been ever so dependable. Also the mid field looks strong and only the defense needs to be a little more alert. On the other hand Murcia was flattened last week by Valencia and will be looking to get something out of the match. But they need to capitalize on the fact that Real’s away form has been no where close to their home form and the same Valencia had defeated them 5-1 not too long ago. Pablo Garcia and Velez can be the men to look out for from Murcia’s end when the action starts.

 

A look at the points table would suggest that if Real Madrid can convert this tricky tie they will be surely in the lead of the points table but if they fail to convert Villareal might just be able to push them out of the leader’s spot. However on the other side, one more loss would mean close to the relegation zone for Murcia. So the stage is set, it will be a test of nerves for the minnows in Murcia when they take on the big REAL boys of Laliga.

 

Predicted score line: 2-0 in favor of Real Madrid.

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