La Liga returns with another round of matches this week, as Mallorca face Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao in a crucial encounter at Iberostar Estadi on Monday.
Mallorca’s current standing in the La Liga standings is at number 12. They have displayed a mediocre performance this season. In their previous game against Atletico Madrid, the home side succumbed to a 3-1 defeat. This time around, they will have to come back stronger to win the fixture.
On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao’s inconsistency this season sees them at seventh place in the league table. Their narrow loss to Sevilla in the previous game has left them with a lot to ponder and they need to make improvements if they are to win this weekend’s fixture.
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With both teams not quite where they want to be in the league standings, this game could be vital to their hopes of improving their current positions. Mallorca needs to rise from their recent defeats, and Athletic Bilbao has to be consistent to stand a chance. The match is expected to be a thrilling encounter, and fans will be eager to see which team will come out victorious.
Mallorca–Athletic Club match preview
Athletic Bilbao, who are hoping to secure a place in the top six, will be eager to get back on the winning track in La Liga as they take on Mallorca on Monday evening. Mallorca are currently in 12th place in the standings and have not been in great form this season. They lost 3-1 against Atletico Madrid in their previous match.
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The Pirates finished 16th in La Liga last season but are performing better this season with 40 points from 31 matches. This leaves them with a healthy gap of nine points above the relegation zone. They have collected 25 points from their 15 home league games this season. While they have an unbeaten record in their last two games against Athletic, they will face a tough challenge against the Basque outfit, who have the fifth-best away record in the league.
Athletic Bilbao, under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde, are targeting a top-six finish and are currently in seventh place in the table. They trail sixth-placed Real Betis by three points. The Lions won four of their five league games between March 17 and April 22. They remained undefeated but suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sevilla in their most recent match.
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After their game against Mallorca, Athletic will host Real Betis in their next fixture. The game will be a crucial affair for their hopes of securing a top-six finish. They will then face a difficult trip to fifth-placed Villarreal on May 13.
Mallorca possible starting lineup:
Rajkovic; A Sanchez, Valjent, Raillo, Hadzikadunic, Maffeo; Morlanes, Ruiz de Galarreta, Kang-in; Muriqi, Ndiaye
Athletic Club possible starting lineup:
Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Yuri; Vesga, Zarraga; I Williams, Berenguer, N Williams; Guruzeta
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Mallorca–Athletic Club prediction
Despite possessing an impressive squad, Athletic Bilbao’s form has been erratic this season. The team will be looking towards experienced players such as Inaki Williams and Iker Muniain to bring their skill to the forefront in this encounter.
Mallorca has shown the ability to be a threat now and then and will need to be in top form to compete against their opponents. However, Athletic Bilbao are currently the stronger side and should emerge victorious in this match.
Prediction: Mallorca 1-2 Athletic Bilbao
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Date, kick-off time, venue
Mallorca will take on Athletic Club in their La Liga match on May 1, 2023 at 17:00 UTC and 22:30 pm (IST) at the Estadi de Son Moix stadium, in Palma city, Spain.