Verdict: Lamine Yamal to score anytime
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention back to La Liga action on Saturday afternoon, Barcelona will welcome Mallorca to Catalonia this weekend.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, making real history last season as they recaptured their La Liga crown, Barcelona have their sights firmly set on shattering even more records this time around. Continuing on a sensational rise since Hansi Flick’s arrival in Catalonia, the Spanish giants are once again leading the chase at the top of the table and they hold a one-point buffer over arch-rivals Real Madrid. Pencilled in as a landslide contender to make another domestic statement here, the reigning La Liga champions are riding a major wave of momentum. Extending on their Copa del Rey adventure earlier in the week as they secured a 2-1 victory away at Segunda outfit Albacete, Barcelona have remarkably won 16 of their previous 17 appearances across all competitions. Crowned Super Cup champions on January 11th as they secured a thrilling 3-2 win against Los Blancos, Flick’s side have also gained a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third.
Barcelona Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Barcelona will once again be unable to call upon the trio of Pedri, Gavi and former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen. However, recently returning from an extended break to focus on his mental health, Ronald Araujo could make a first La Liga start since back in November.
Enjoying what has been a sensational run since arriving from Manchester United on a season-long loan switch, England international Marcus Rashford will be hoping to keep his spot from the start. Returning to Catalonia during the January transfer window, ex-Man City defender Joao Cancelo could be handed a full recall.
Mallorca
As for the visitors, putting in a season-best display last weekend as they stormed their way to a stunning 4-1 romp at home against Sevilla, Mallorca have found a route out of the drop zone. However, travelling to Catalonia on Saturday afternoon holding just a two-point buffer over once again falling into the relegation zone, Jagoba Arrasate’s men couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge here. Falling to a routine 3-0 defeat when they last met Barcelona for their reverse La Liga showdown on August 16th, Mallorca hold a nightmare record against the reigning Spanish champions. In fact, the Pirates have lost their previous three showdowns against Saturday’s hosts by an aggregate score of 10-1. It should also be highlighted, the Palma-based outfit have not recorded a single competitive win in Catalonia since way back in May 2008.
Mallorca Team News
Once again missing out against Sevilla last weekend with a recent knock, Mallorca are once again expected to be without Albania international Marash Kumbulla on Saturday afternoon. However, aside from the former Roma defender, Arrasate’s side have reported a clean bill of health.
Notching a 15th La Liga strike of the season last week and enjoying a remarkable domestic campaign, Kosovo international Vedat Muriqi will shoulder plenty of Mallorca’s goalscoring threat. Making back-to-back starts over the past fortnight, 23-year-old David Lopez should keep his spot at the back.
Barcelona vs Mallorca Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and Mallorca met for their reverse La Liga showdown on August 16th, Flick’s side stormed their way to a 3-0 victory in Palma.
- In fact, Barca have won all of their last four meetings against Saturday’s guests by an aggregate score of 10-1.
- Notching 60 goals in their 22 La Liga appearances this season, Barcelona hold the best-attacking tally among Spain’s elite.
- Mallorca have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions.
- Spanish superstar Lamine Yamal has recorded 17 direct goals contributions in his 18 La Liga appearances this season (nine goals, eight assists).
Conclusion
Opening Saturday’s showdown holding a narrow one-point advantage over their arch-rivals, Barcelona will be confident of making another public title statement here. Remarkably winning 16 of their previous 17 appearances across all competitions, Flick’s superstar squad are rightfully installed as a landslide contender this weekend. Claiming a thumping 3-0 victory when they met Mallorca for their reverse La Liga showdown on August 16th, the former Bayern Munich boss will be hoping for a repeat performance on home soil.
Verdict: Lamine Yamal to score anytime
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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