Espanyol vs Mallorca predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as Javier Aguirre’s team head to the RCDE Stadium.
| Date | Saturday 25th February 2023 |
| Kick-Off | 14:00 (CET) |
| Stadium | RCDE Stadium |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Espanyol vs Mallorca Preview
Espanyol and Mallorca meet at the RCDE Stadium this weekend. Diego Martinez’s team will view this as an opportunity to finally put some distance between themselves and the relegation places.
There was a boost last weekend for the Catalan club and although the performance wasn’t convincing, a fine Stoppage Time winner from Sergi Darder at Elche was one of the moments of the season so far for Espanyol. It was an important three points following an abject display against Real Sociedad in their most recent home game and with Joselu absent, it wasn’t a great surprise to see Darder step up and provide the game’s decisive contribution.
Darder has been one of the shining lights for Espanyol in recent years and provides a touch of real quality in midfield. Indeed, on paper, Martinez’s side do look strong in the centre of the pitch now with January signing Denis Suarez starting at Elche while Vini Souza looks a bright prospect. Defensively there are still doubts though while it’s likely top scorer Joselu will be missing again here.
Mallorca travel hoping to improve on their dire recent away form. They’ve lost all 4 road games since the World Cup to nil and that includes trips to struggling Getafe and Cadiz. They did pick up some decent results earlier in the season on their travels but the current disparity between home and away results and performances will be baffling for their fans.
They made it 5 straight home wins in LaLiga last time out, seeing off 10-man Villarreal by a 4-2 margin. That kind of scoreline has been far from typical for Mallorca this term with their league games averaging just 1.91 goals per match. They have no major selection issues here but will be wary of losing Vedat Muriqi who is one booking away from a suspension.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Espanyol
| INJURED | Pedrosa, Bare |
| DOUBTFUL | Joselu, Montes, Dani Gomez, Calero |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Pacheco – Olivan, Cabrera, Gragera – Gil, Souza, Darder, Denis Suarez, Vidal – Puado, Braithwaite (3-5-2)
Coach: Diego Martinez
Mallorca
Possible XI: Rajkovic – Copete, Raillo, Valjent – Costa, Dani Rodriguez, Ruiz de Galarreta, Maffeo – Kang-in – Kadewere, Muriqi (3-4-1-2)
Coach: Javier Aguirre
Score Prediction: Espanyol 1-0 Mallorca
Espanyol may go with three at the back again as they bid to ease their defensive issues and with Mallorca having failed to score away since before the World Cup break, they stand every chance of getting another rare clean sheet. The hosts look the team most likely to win it, although a close game is likely.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
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