Mallorca vs Real Sociedad Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Mallorca vs Real Sociedad on and what time does it start? Mallorca vs Real Sociedad will take place on Sunday 18th February, 2024 – 17:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Mallorca vs Real Sociedad? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Mallorca vs Real Sociedad on in the UK? Mallorca vs Real Sociedad will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Mallorca vs Real Sociedad in the UK? Mallorca vs Real Sociedad can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
MALLORCA
Real Mallorca are in a relegation battle in La Liga and, with Mexican coach Javier Aguirre still in the dugout, there is a bit of concern that their progression into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, where they are currently level at 0-0 on aggregate against Real Sociedad, would prove to be a distraction from the goal of remaining in the top-flight.
However, the Balearic Islanders produced an impressive result to defeat Rayo Vallecano at Son Moix last weekend with a 91st minute winning goal from Vedat Muriqi, just a few days after that aforementioned first-leg against Real Sociedad. They begin the weekend sitting six points clear of the bottom three and the relegation places.
REAL SOCIEDAD
As one of the most intense pressing teams in European football, Real Sociedad have made a habit of falling away in the second-half of the campaign after previously challenging at the top. Imanol Aguacil’s side held on to a top four spot last season but the Basque club appear to be in the middle of yet another decline this time around.
La Real come into this one on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League in midweek. That defeat in the French capital means they have now failed to score in their last five matches across all competitions, falling out of the top six in La Liga in the process.
THE TEAM NEWS
MALLORCA
There are a couple of defensive injury issues for Real Mallorca this weekend as Martin Valjent is a doubt, whilst Pablo Maffeo is definitely unavailable.
PREDICTED XI (5-3-2): Rajkovic; Gonzalez, Valjent, Raillo, Nastasic, Lato; Morlanes, Costa, Darder; Abdon, Larin
UNAVAILABLE: Maffeo (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Valjent (Injured)
REAL SOCIEDAD
Mikel Oyarzabal could return this weekend but he remains a doubt for Real Sociedad, whilst Sheraldo Becker and Alvaro Odriozola are still out.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Alex Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Galan; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Kubo, Silva, Barrenetxea
UNAVAILABLE: Becker (Injured), Tierney (Injured), Odriozola (Injured), Merquelanz (Injured), Munoz (Injured), Fernandez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Oyarzabal (Injured), Elustondo (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Another theme of Real Sociedad and Imanol Aguacil is the fact they are a low-scoring team. Despite being quite a front foot and intense pressing team, La Real have consistently failed to score with much freedom. They now travel away to a Real Mallorca side that are going to be their typical selves and sit back, looking to frustrate their opposition. These two sides shared a goalless draw in the Copa del Rey about ten days ago and a similar outcome is likely on Sunday evening.
TIP: UNDER 2.5 GOALS
