Mallorca vs Villarreal Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Mallorca vs Villarreal on and what time does it start? Mallorca vs Villarreal will take place on Friday 18th August, 2023 – 18:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Mallorca vs Villarreal? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Mallorca vs Villarreal on in the UK? Mallorca vs Villarreal 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 Villarreal in the UK? Mallorca vs Villarreal can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
MALLORCA
After an impressive mid-table finish last season, Real Mallorca have spent well in the summer transfer window with some interesting additions, especially recently, such as Sergi Darder from Espanyol and Samu Costa from Almeria. The Balearic Islanders did lose their key attacking and creative force from last season, though, with Lee Kang-in joining Paris Saint-Germain earlier on in the summer. They should remain a resolute side, though, under the management of Javier Aguirre.
Aguirre’s Majorcans began with an opening day draw in the Canary Islands away to a Las Palmas side that finished second in the second-tier last season. Antonio Raillo scored a 70th minute equaliser after the newly-promoted hosts had opened the score via a Jonathan Viera penalty mid-way through the first-half. That will be viewed as a steady start to the campaign against a side that are expected to be difficult to beat at home.
VILLARREAL
With the loss of Pau Torres and Samu Chukwueze, as well as many supporters and reportedly even the board being unconvinced by Quique Setien remaining in the dugout, it has been a difficult summer for Villarreal. They have also endured a tortuous pre-season, in terms of both performances and results, with the Yellow Submarine being annihilated 6-1 by St Gallen, 3-0 by Hannover and Sporting CP and 4-0 by Newcastle.
They began the season against a Real Betis side who finished a place below them in La Liga last season but Manuel Pellegrini’s Andalusians defeated Setien’s men last weekend. Ayoze Perez opened the scoring, and should have had more, before Jorge Cuenca’s second-half equaliser but Betis snatched all three points in second-half stoppage-time with a winning goal from former Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose.
THE TEAM NEWS
MALLORCA
As mentioned, the departure of Lee Kang-in will have to lead to a tactical and personnel shake-up for Mallorca and the very interesting signings, most notably in attack being Cyle Larin, could lead to them going from 3-4-3 to a 5-3-2 in order to partner Larin with Vedat Muriqi. Aguirre did do that last season but started with Amath Ndiaye. It has to be thought that Ndiaye was a counter attacking option away from home and that, despite their age and relatively similar style, Larin and Muriqi could form an effective partnership in Palma.
PREDICTED XI (5-3-2): Rajkovic; Maffeo, Gonzalez, Valjent, Copete, Costa; Rodriguez, Mascarell, Morlanes; Larin, Muriqi
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
VILLARREAL
Quique Setien’s Real Betis earned a lot of plaudits for their attacking and front foot style of football. Setien’s insistence on the ‘right way to play football’ and generally perceived to be holier than thou attitude towards different styles is something that means he is under pressure at El Madrigal. Etienne Capoue and Denis Suarez are options to come in but it is, as is his personality, likely that Setien doubles down on the team that lost last week.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Jorgensen; Foyth, Mandi, Cuenca, Moreno; Terrats, Parejo, Comesana; Gerard, Sorloth, Baena
UNAVAILABLE: Coquelin (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Mallorca’s home form last season was exceptional and was the real main reason as to why they finished so comfortably in mid-table and, if they are to make a run for what does appear to be a very open slot in the top seven, then they will be reliant on home advantage once again. Villarreal aren’t quite yet in disarray and they could easily find their rhythm at some point soon but this will be a tough test for them in the Balearic Islanders and, although it may be relatively tedious for the neutral, it is difficult to see Mallorca losing at home.
TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – MALLORCA TO WIN OR DRAW
