Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca on and what time does it start? Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca will take place on Friday 2nd February, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca on in the UK? Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca in the UK? Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
ATHLETIC BILBAO
A few weeks ago, Athletic Club were described as the best team in the country by the manager of their arch-rivals, Imanol Aguacil of Real Sociedad. Under the management of former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, the home team are very much competing for a top four finish and potential UEFA Champions League qualification this season, as well as being in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
They come into this one on the back of a couple of really underwhelming performances, though. They were held to a goalless draw by a Cadiz side that have been really weak for some time now with a 1-0 loss to Valencia the weekend before sandwiching a thrilling 4-2 defeat of Barcelona in extra-time in the cup.
MALLORCA
Much like their opposition, Real Mallorca have moved into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and they are trying to establish themselves firmly in the middle-of-the-table after a really slow start to the campaign. The Balearic Islanders are winless in their last four matches in La Liga as they begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting four points clear of the bottom three.
The visitors have managed just three victories all season with Javier Aguirre’s very reactive and defensive style of football meaning they are struggling to get over the line, albeit remain difficult to beat with 11 draws, too. Only Cadiz have scored fewer than the 19 goals that Mallorca have managed so far this season.
THE TEAM NEWS
ATHLETIC BILBAO
There are a couple of injury concerns for Athletic this weekend but nothing fresh or new with both Inigo Ruiz de Galaretta and Alex Berenguer doubts for the Basque club.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; de Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Lekue; Vesga, Herrera; I. Williams, Gomez, N. Williams; Guruzeta
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Berenguer (Injured), Ruiz de Galarreta (Injured)
MALLORCA
Real Mallorca will be without key defender Pablo Maffeo for this clash against Athletic Club but they will be able to remain unchanged at San Mames.
PREDICTED XI (5-3-2): Rajkovic; Gonzalez, Valjent, Raillo, Nastasic, Lato; Morlanes, Costa, Darder; Abdon, Larin
UNAVAILABLE: Maffeo (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Ernesto Valverde’s general style of football has always been a little reactive and defensive but his impressive Athletic side have been getting results by playing a proactive and front foot style of football this season. They face a Real Mallorca side that have, as mentioned, struggled for goals throughout the campaign but are a stubborn side so, whilst Athletic are favourites with home advantage, their recent lack of attacking fluency may mean it is a low-scoring encounter.
TIP: ATHLETIC TO WIN & UNDER 3.5 GOALS
