Match Previews

Mallorca vs Barcelona match preview: Probable lineups, team news, match facts, prediction

Published

5 years ago

02/01/2022

Adithya Eshwarla

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Date and time: 2nd January; 21:00 CET
Stadium: Estadi de Son Moix
Competition: La Liga
Referee: Mateu Lahoz

Overview

The new year brought with it a very unpleasant present for Xavi and Barcelona. All the optimism heading into the first game of 2022 was crushed when players began testing positive for COVID early last week.

In a matter of hours, as many as ten Blaugrana players were unavailable through the contraction of the virus. Add to that the slight delay in the return of other starters and Xavi has a soup of a situation at his hands.

With the series of setbacks, Sunday’s clash against RCD Mallorca becomes an uphill task for the manager. The hosts have not been the most convincing of sides this year, but their win against Atletico Madrid last month is a clear warning of the threat they can pose.

What to expect from Mallorca

Earlier this week, Mallorca announced that four members of the senior squad and three from the coaching staff had tested positive for COVID. However, the Spanish side did not reveal the identities of the affected individuals, reportedly in an attempt to obfuscate the impact on their squad.

That said, it will be difficult at predicting the approach of the Palma outfit without knowing the personnel available. Here is a look at a possible lineup they can field.

Manolo Reina will start in goal. The Spaniard has been shaky in goal, conceding over three goals in every two games. Moreover, Mallorca conceded four goals in their last league outing before Christmas.

Martin Valjent and Aleksandar Sedlar are the expected centre-backs at Son Moix. Pablo Maffeo has been one of the team’s best players this season at right-back and will continue to run rampant vs Mallorca. The right-back position will be filled by Jaume Costa.

Maffeo will be a tough one at the back. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

In the midfield, the pivot will be Iddrisu Baba and Inigo Galarreta, while the the four-man attack that Luis Garcia believes in involves three players playing behind the centre forward, Angel Rodriguez. In the space behind the Number 22 will be Dani Rodriguez, Takefusa Kubo and Kang-in Lee at the right, centre and left positions respectively.

Probable Mallorca XI (4-2-3-1): Reina; Maffeo, Sedlar, Valjent, Costa; Baba, Galarreta; D. Rodriguez, Kubo, Lee; A. Rodriguez

What to expect from Barcelona

Two goalkeepers, six defenders, two midfielders, and a forward are all Xavi has from the first-team squad heading to Son Moix. However, a few names of the B team like Nico Gonzalez and Ferran Jutgla are almost synonymous with the first team list now and will be available.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to start on the night, albeit under severe pressure. His recent performances have let doubt creep in over his future at the club. It will be key for him to stay solid at the back.

Xavi could opt for a four-man backline, especially given the extraordinary situation. Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia will start as the centre-backs. However, it is at the full-back positions that the spotlight will be on.

With all-natural players of the department ruled out, Oscar Mingueza could start at left-back as he has done numerous times before. The right-back void will likely be filled by Ronald Araujo. Despite being a solid pillar in Barcelona’s central defence, the lack of options will force the Uruguayan to play out wide.

The suspension Sergio Busquets picked up after his yellow card at Sevilla really has come back to bite the team. His unavailability alongside the absence of Gavi means that Nico and Frenkie de Jong will be deployed as a double pivot on the night.

While this approach makes the defence resilient, it will increase the pressure on the attacking midfielder, Riqui Puig. With a start very likely on the night, the youngster will look to capitalise.

Riqui will have to play the game of his life. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

In attack, Luuk de Jong will get a start as the centre-forward despite being linked with an exit. Ousmane Dembele’s unavailability comes as music to Ilias Akomach‘s ears, for he could well be in the starting lineup. The final piece of the puzzle would be Ferran Jutgla, who will start on the left-wing.

Probable Barcelona XI (4-2-1-3): ter Stegen; Araujo, Pique, Eric, Mingueza; Nico, de Jong; Puig; Ilias, Luuk, Jutgla

Marquee Player

Kang-in Lee

Kong-in Lee has been a vital part of Luis Garcia’s side since his arrival in the summer. Joining on a free transfer, the Korean has been a force to reckon with on the wing.

Mallorca have not scored an awful lot this season, but Lee has been at the heart of most chances created. He has three goal contributions, and has created four big chances, apart from averaging 1.2 key passes per game.

Match Facts

Mallorca previous games: LWDWW

Barcelona previous games: DWLDL

Head-to-head record

Key stats

Barcelona have gone seven games without a clean sheet.
Mallorca have lost their last seven games against the Catalans.
Barcelona have scored in their last 20 games against Mallorca.
The last time Mallorca won against Barcelona was in 2009.
Xavi Hernandez’s first goal for Barcelona came against Mallorca.

Prediction

The game will not be as easy as history suggests, especially given the severely depleted squad. Barcelona’s relatively blunt attack will make it difficult for the Catalans to score. Players like Nico, Frenkie de Jong, and Riqui Puig will be more crucial than ever, while some Luuk de Jong and co. will need to step up offensively. With four CBs at the back, though, the defence looks solid.

Barça Universal prediction: Mallorca 0-1 Barcelona

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