Barcelona will look to bring an end to their three-match winless run in La Liga when they hit the road to face RCD Mallorca at Son Moix.
Barcelona had a sensational start to the new season under Hansi Flick, but all their hard work has been undone because of the results in the recent weeks. They need to keep winning to ensure they keep the top spot and will have to ensure they claim all three points on their trip to sixth-placed Mallorca who have been in sensational form.
The home team have won seven, drawn three and lost five out of their 15 outings. They are just four points behind fourth-placed Athletic Club, and a positive result against the league leaders could do wonders for them.
While they did go through a lean patch of results, RCD Mallorca have won their last two league games. They defeated Valencia 2-1 in their last outing and will give Barcelona a run for their money.
The Blaugrana were off to a flying start, they had won 11 out of their first 12 league games, but things have gone downhill of late. They have been winless in their last three games; losing two of those fixtures. While Barcelona are still at the top of the points table, they are just a point ahead of Real Madrid who have a game in hand.
Flick’s team are heading into this one on the back of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of UD Las Palmas. They will have to return to their best if they want to go past Mallorca who have been on a run of late. The Hard Tackle takes a close look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could put to use.
Team News & Tactics
RCD Mallorca
The home team will be without the services of Toni Lato, Ivan Cuellar, Takuma Asano, and Copete. Meanwhile, Vedat Muriqi is back available for the midweek clash, having served a suspension last time out.
RCD Mallorca will line up in a 4-2-2-2 formation, where Dominik Greif will be in goal. Mateu Morey and Johan Mojica will be the full-backs for them, while Martin Valjent will partner Antonio Jose Raillo Arenas in the heart of the defence.
In the centre of the park, Manu Morlanes and Samu Costa will be in a holding role. They will shield the backline and present a stable base. Robert Navarro will feature on the right flank while Sergi Darder will be on the left flank. In attack, Cyle Larin will partner with Vedat Muriqi.
Probable Lineup (4-2-2-2): Greif; Morey, Valjent, Raillo, Mojica; Morlanes, Costa; Navarro, Darder; Larin, Muriqi
Barcelona
While the results on the pitch have not been that great, Barcelona will be happy to see that Ronald Araujo is back in full training ahead of the trip to Son Moix to take on RCD Mallorca, having been out for a long time.
Despite the boost, they still remain without the services of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Ansu Fati. However, Marc Casado, who was suspended for their last outing, is back available. Alejandro Balde picked up a neck injury in their last outing and despite having recovered, he might not be risked for this one.
Barcelona will line up in the 4-2-3-1 formation against RCD Mallorca, with Inaki Pena in goal. Jules Kounde will continue on the right flank, with Gerrard Martin on the left wing. In the heart of the defence, Pau Cubarsi should continue to partner Inigo Martinez despite the return of Araujo.
As for the midfield unit, Marc Casado will partner Pedri in the centre of the park. The double pivot will look to ensure they control the tempo and dominate the possession of the ball. Dani Olmo will take up the number ten role with Lamine Yamal returning to the playing XI. Raphinha will continue on the left flank, with Robert Lewandowski leading the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Martin; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Key Stats
- Barcelona and RCD Mallorca have faced each other a total of 73 times. The visitors have won 44 of those meetings with the home team winning just 17.
- The Pirates have failed to score in five of their last seven matches against the Catalan giants.
- Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 16 matches against Mallorca, winning 14 of those.
- The home team have only lost two out of their last 10 league games.
- The Blaugrana have won seven out of their last eight away matches against the hosts. They have kept a clean sheet in six of those outings.
Player to Watch
Pedri
Barcelona are going through a rough patch, having been winless in their last three league games ahead of the trip to Son Moix to take on RCD Mallorca. With the results not going their way, Pedri will be eager to step up and help his team return to winning ways.
While all the focus will be on the domineering forwards, the 22-year-old midfield genius could end up having a massive say on the end result. He might end up adding to his tally of three assists and as many goals this season.
Prediction
RCD Mallorca 1-2 Barcelona
Given the kind of form Mallorca have been in, Barcelona won’t find it easy to go past the sixth-placed team. The Catalan giants have not been at their best, and they will have to grind hard to earn the three points here.
With Lamine Yamal back in the XI, they will have a lot more creative firepower, and that should help them get the desired result. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for the visitors, who will end their shocking three-game winless run in La Liga.
