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Over on the Balearic Islands this midweek, we have a really intriguing clash between a new look and progressive Real Mallorca side welcoming a Real Sociedad side looking to shake off a slow start to the 2024/25 La Liga campaign.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Tuesday 17th September, 2024 - UK – 6:00pm / US ET – 1:00pm / US PT – 10:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Real Mallorca vs Real Sociedad may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
REAL MALLORCA PREVIEW: THE JAGO ARRASATE APPEAL
After surviving and also reaching the final of the Copa del Rey last year, it did still appear the time was right for Javier Aguirre to move on, and he has by becoming the new Mexico boss ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Jago Arrasate taking the reins in Palma de Mallorca after a successful stint in charge of Osasuna.
The Balearic Islanders began their season with a 1-1 draw against ‘galacticos 2.0’ of Real Madrid and also shared a draw with Sevilla at home sandwiched by a defeat to the aforementioned Osasuna and a victory over newly-promoted Leganes. They suffered a defeat at the weekend, though, losing by two goals to one against an impressive Villarreal side.
REAL SOCIEDAD PREVIEW: THE IMANOL AGUACIL PROBLEM
In recent seasons, Real Sociedad have started the campaign very well before fading quite badly with one of the most intense pressing styles in European football tending to take its toll on the players. La Real have this time, though, endured a difficult and slow start to the campaign under the management of Imanol Aguacil.
The Basque club started the season with a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Rayo Vallecano and Deportivo Alaves also went and won at the Anoeta last season. In their opening five matches so far this season, they have managed just one victory and that was a narrow 1-0 win against newly-promoted Espanyol.
REAL MALLORCA TEAM NEWS: DEFENSIVE ISSUES
Real Mallorca have been dealing with some defensive issues in the last few weeks with the injury to key man Pablo Maffeo but they will also now have to deal with a suspension incurred by former Valencia defender Toni Lato.
Aside from those two and injuries to fringe players such as Javi Llabres and Mateu Morey, Mallorca will be able to select from pretty much a fully fit and available squad for the visit of Real Sociedad.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Greif; Antonio Sanchez, Valjent, Antonio Raillo, Johan Mojica; Manu Morlanes, S. Costa; Asano, Dani Rodriguez, Domenech; Muriqi
UNAVAILABLE: Toni Lato (Suspended), Pablo Maffeo (Injured), Javi Llabres (Injured), Mateu Morey (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
REAL SOCIEDAD TEAM NEWS: MIKEL OYARZABAL BACK
Spain’s UEFA EURO 2024 winning hero Mikel Oyarzabal sustained an injury over the September international break and was suspended at the weekend, too, but there is an expectation and confidence that he will be back available for this one.
There are still some key injury absentees for Imanol Aguacil to deal with for this week’s trip off the mainland. Former Rennes defender Ham Traore is sidelined for the visitors alongside attacking midfielder Brais Mendez.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Igor Zubeldia, Ageurd, Javi Lopez; Kubo, Sucic, Martin Zubimendi, Sergio Gomez; Becker, Sadiq
UNAVAILABLE: Urko Gonzalez de Zarate (Injured), Traore (Injured), Zakharyan (Injured), Brais Mendez (Injured), Jon Magunazelaia (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
REAL MALLORCA VS REAL SOCIEDAD PREDICTION
Real Mallorca, switched up from a back three to a 4-2-3-1 system this season, are trying to play a more progressive style and that was on show against Villarreal at the weekend until Toni Lato’s 69th minute red card leading to them sitting back and subsequently conceding a 94th minute winner. Real Sociedad will go to Palma looking to find some sort of fluency but up against an improving Mallorca side, despite their results, this may well be a tough test and a double chance bet in favour of the hosts looks like quite a good value bet.
REAL MALLORCA VS REAL SOCIEDAD TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – MALLORCA TO WIN OR DRAW